A STREET in the New Forest that was last year named the most festive in Britain will switch on its famous Christmas illuminations later today.

For the past 13 years, Byron Road in New Milton has put on a dazzling display every Christmas, raising more than £70,000 for charity.

The street will switch on its Christmas lights once again to raise money for three charities including the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Visitors will be treated to a total of nine acts with entertainment starting from 4pm before the big switch-on at 6pm.

Between 1,000 and 1,500 people turn out for the switch-on and this year’s spectacle will feature appearances by Bournemouth poet Shaine Singer from Channel 4 Show The Undateables while Highcliffe Charity Players who will be showcasing their production of Cinderella. There will also be live music from Rob Tidbury, Scott Haynes, The Christmas Mellor Sisters and Emma Hardy.

Father Christmas will also be turning out for the special event and will hand out goody bags to youngsters under 8. There will also be free mulled wine and mince pies.

Byron Road resident Ged Hollyoake, 71, started the tradition and now decorates a row of five terraced houses in the street.

Ged’s son Jason Dean, who overseas the entertainment and is involved in organising the event, said: “It takes him two months to put them up and two days to take them down.”

“He started putting up a few lights which attracted around 30 people and now we’ve got singers and entertainment and a stage and it’s just grown and grown and grown,” Jason added.

Last year saw Harry Redknapp and ITV weather presenter Holly Green switch on the lights and this year more celebrities will visit the street during the next four weeks.

Jason added: “It really is huge, it’s got to be the biggest in the area. It’s like an arena now we’ve got the stage.”

Last year the Daily Mail named Byron Road Britain’s most festive street in a national competition with actor Christopher Biggins picking the winner. The street won £10,000 towards its chosen charity.

Byron Road lights will be switched on until January 2. Visitors will be able to park at Fawcetts Field.

New Forest District Council have paid for the road closure and public liability insurance for the event.