Festive fun will fill Malmesbury’s high street tomorrow evening despite the floods last weekend.

Torrential rain caused the River Avon to flood in the early hours of Sunday, flooding the centre of town and at least a dozen houses.

But that has not dampened plans to have the town’s Christmas lights switched on at 6.15pm tomorrow by the Earl of Suffolk, followed by the arrival of Father Christmas.

An eclectic mix of stallholders, including Fat Buddha’s Cafe, Heals, the Stencil Shed and the Cotswold Pudding Co, will be on the streets until 9pm.

Entertainment will include carol singers, bell ringers, musicians, street entertainers and Santa’s new grotto.

Paul Baker, the chairman of Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce said: “In keeping with the theme Think Local, Buy Local, more than 30 exciting Christmas market stalls will be offering festive fare.

“They will be selling wonderful gifts such as home-made gingerbread and local sparkling wine, perfect for the Christmas season.

“There will also be home-made pickles, jams, chocolates, chilli oil, works of art, Christmas decorations and trees, captivating photographs of this historic town, vintage gifts and much more.

“Visitors will also receive a warm welcome from local traders, who will be keeping their doors open late with everything you need to get your Christmas shopping list all wrapped up.

“Refreshments and snacks will be on hand to keep you warm and at Leonard Walker’s barbecue, and all proceeds will be donated to the charity SANDS – Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society.

“Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce is proud to organise this very popular event and looks forward to welcoming visitors from Malmesbury and all the surrounding villages and towns.”

A free park and ride bus will run between Malmesbury Garden Centre and Cross Hayes throughout the evening, courtesy of Andy James and the garden centre.