DANCING dogs will prance to Christmas tunes on Friday as the annual Parks festive party returns.

Organised by St John’s Church and the Parks Initiated Projects Swindon scheme, the Christmas event will feature craft stalls, school choirs and other musical performances.

Rev Linda Fletcher, vicar at St John’s, said: “There’s so much to celebrate in the Parks community. Often, it doesn’t have a fantastic reputation, but there’s so much to celebrate. Every one of those performers are part of the community.”

The Christmas event will be opened by Swindon mayor Junab Ali at 11am, followed by performances from Goddard Park, Holy Family and Oakfield primary schools and a line dancing demonstration from group M4 Stompers at 12.15pm.

Swindon Dog Dancing School, run by Angela Richens, will be on stage at 5.30pm with a number of dogs prancing to classic Christmas hits.

The event will finish at 6pm, with Rev Fletcher blessing the Christmas tree outside the church.

Last year, scores of people came along to soak up the festive atmosphere. Organiser Martina Lewis said: “It’s been a manic day but it’s been great, the church is heaving with people. Everybody’s come together to enjoy the festive feel.”

The Christmas extravaganza is on Friday, December 7, 11am-6pm at St John’s Church, Whitbourne Avenue.