AN ANNUAL Christmas celebration will see a town centre bedazzled with lights, market stalls and street entertainment.

Ringwood’s Winter 'Wanderland' is back after a one-year absence and will be spread over the Christmas period with an aim to encourage people into the town centre.

The festivities will kick off with a one-day community event on Sunday, November 28, for the official turning on of the Christmas lights in the High Street.

The next day will see a Christmas window competition held which is open to all shops, businesses and organisations in the town. Members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite decorations. The competition was held last year and there was a record number of entrants, with 1,000 people voting for the winner.

The free event takes place throughout the Christmas period in the High Street and Market Place and includes a market with more than 50 stalls, hot food and drink including mulled wine and cider, hog roast, bratwurst, stone baked pizza, a well-stocked bar and hot chocolate, Santa’s grotto and his reindeer, two Santa parades, a small fairground and street entertainment and a performance on the High Street by the Ringwood and Burley Band.

The event is organised by Ringwood Town Council. Town mayor Cllr Tony Ring said: “Having had such a grim few months, we look forward to creating a truly festive Christmas season for our residents and others to enjoy.

“We know there will be multiple entries to our shop window display competition which is the heart of the Wanderland experience and we hope to encourage as many people as possible to take part.

“Last year was very muted for obvious reasons so we are now beside ourselves with excitement to spread the festivities and give some much-needed footfall to our businesses.”

The event’s organisation has been supported by the likes of Ringwood Rotary, Men’s Shed and Round Table as well as other financial contributions from businesses.