RINGWOOD is gearing up for its annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

This year there will be new lights added and plenty of activities to enjoy on Saturday, December 5.

For the second year running business sponsorship and grants have helped provide new lights to expand down Southampton Road and onto Christchurch Road and added more lights to Market Street to make the town glow.

New attractions this year will include a helter skelter, a Children’s cinema, giant snow cannons and Dickensian carol singers.

Organiser Mandy Oldfield said: "I think we are so lucky to have supportive businesses in the town which help provides a wonderful event for our residents and really helps put people in the festive mood."

Ringwood recently won Brand New Forest ‘Town of the Year’ and this will be promoted on the day at a business stall where a number of Renault Twizy electric vehicles will also be on display, promoting environmental hire.

Among the 60-plus exhibitors, there will also be information about the newly-formed Ringwood Business Partnership, which will be looking to promote membership of the group and encourage participation.

Throughout the day there will be live entertainment, fair rides, competitions, Santa’s Grotto, street entertainers and mischievous Elves giving out free sweets.

Roger the Ringwood Reindeer will also put in an appearance at the lantern parade in the afternoon.

Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Michael Thierry, added: "Ringwood is great at putting on events and this is definitely one to come and see, I hope people will come and enjoy the activities."

For more information on the event or to get involved, contact Mandy or Kim, look at the council’s web site at ringwood.gov.uk or ring 01425 473883.