Come and join the fun at the Ormskirk Christmas Lights switch on extravaganza Friday 24 November as the town centre starts the festive season in style!

The Chapel Gallery’s bustling Christmas Market will be open from noon to 8pm with loads of stalls for people to browse through and pick up unique Christmas gifts. There are also free activities, and in the evening from 6pm there will be live music, caricatures and complimentary mulled wine, so people can eat drink and be merry.

From 4pm-8pm families can visit a fabulous range of market stalls located on Moor Street to enjoy some Christmas cheer and shopping.

A giant sized snow globe will be on Moor Street from around 4pm, creating a wonderful winter-wonderland photo opportunity as a family keepsake or which you could use to make into a special Christmas card.

The local Rotary Club will be there accompanying Santa on Moor Street from around 4pm anxiously waiting to hear Christmas present lists from all the excited youngsters.

From 4.30pm to 6pm there’s a variety of entertainment on and around the stage at the Clock Tower include family entertainer Circus Frank (pictured) and performance by popular local dance and drama school Base Dance, the amazing ‘Ormskirk Rock Choir’ who will be entertaining the crowds with popular favourites such as Halo by Beyonce and Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin Stevens.

And favourite children’s characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Captain America Minion will be in town meeting and greeting everyone, together with Silcocks amusements providing children’s rides throughout the event.

The marvellous compere Andy Jay will bring on the party atmosphere by introducing the well acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute act capturing the passion and class of the man himself. This will lead up to the Carol Service at 6pm.

Dignitaries and fellow guests will assemble at Ormskirk Parish Church before processing to the sounds of the Piper to the main stage for the Carol Service conducted by the local clergy assisted by Friends In Unison Choir and Skelmersdale Prize Brass Band.

The Mayor of West Lancashire Councillor Neil Furey will give a Christmas address as part of the Carol Service, which starts at 6pm,and then take up position with guests at the' magic switch' in readiness for the countdown to the 'Switch-On' at 6.30 p.m. conducted by Don Evans, West Lancashire’s Town Crier.

Ormskirk will then become alive with Christmas sparkle to the delight of the crowd.

The Christmas Market stalls at the Chapel Gallery will also be open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 25 November.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, West Lancashire Borough Council portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “Christmas will start with a bang in Ormskirk with our fantastic Christmas lights switch on event and Chapel Gallery Christmas Fair so make sure you come along and enjoy the fun.”