SWINDON town centre is soon to be aglow at this year’s magical Christmas Lantern Parade on Sunday, November 20.

Families, community groups and students across the borough are invited to help light up the night as part of Swindon’s Enchanted Christmas.

The festival’s theme will take after the Wyvern Theatre’s Cinderella pantomime, in which the town will create a magical atmosphere to resemble a fairytale.

The parade which will be led by snow birds, Jack Frost, the Ice Maiden on stilts, Miss England Tourism and the Mayor of Swindon. It will kick off at 3.50pm outside of the Town Hall in Regent Circus.

The procession will continue onto Regent Street, Canal Walk and finish at Wharf Green at 4.15pm where X-Factor star finalist Jay James will take the main stage for a performance finale.

Festival-goers are encouraged to show off their creative skills by making their own lanterns or they can create their own at a free workshop which will be held from 12.30pm to 3.30pm where materials will be provided.

Local artists are also being invited to create large scale illuminated lantern sculptures and more traditional hand lanterns to bring along.

The parade is set to conclude Swindon’s Enchanted Christmas Lights Big Switch-on Weekend, with the Christmas lights to be switched by Wyvern Theatre Panto star Ryan Thomas on Saturday November 19.

Di Powell inSwindon BID Manager said: “This year’s Lantern Parade is what Swindon’s Enchanted Christmas is all about! Everyone coming together to light-up the town centre and celebrate the start of the festive season.

“If you are making lanterns, why not email us your pictures and we will post them on our inSwindon Facebook page.”

Attendees are urged to only use LED lights as flames will not be permitted.

The weekend of festivities is free but those wishing to take part can email their name and telephone number and number of attendees to info@inswindon.com