We Love Marlborough presents We Love Christmas

A concert featuring a world-renowned opera singer, juggling snowmen and stilt-walking angels, Santa in his grotto, an art market and a disco for teenagers are just some of the events to accompany the switching-on of Marlborough's Christmas lights.

We Love Christmas, in association with Brewin Dolphin, takes place on Thursday, 26 November, is organised by We Love Marlborough and is run in partnership with Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and Marlborough Christmas Lights Association.

The highlight of the event is a concert, sponsored by Equilibrium Wealth Management Ltd, by the world-renowned opera singer Maria Jagusz in the beautiful surroundings of St Peter's Church. Mezzo soprano Maria will be supported by local acts The Song Men and the Kennet Accordion Orchestra.

Other events include a Santa's Grotto, sponsored by independent toy shop Ducklings and Marlborough Town Council, and an art market in the town hall, based on the well-received summer art markets run by We Love Marlborough, and featuring the work of 25 local artists and craftsmen.

Meanwhile, a troupe of street entertainers, including stilt-walking angels and juggling snowmen, will entertain the crowds, while festive foods, including a hog roast, chestnuts and mulled wine, will be available around the town centre.

Many shops will be opening until 8pm, allowing families to browse and buy in the festive glow of the Christmas lights. And a disco for under 18s is being held at Azuza in Hughenden Yard.

TIMETABLE

2pm-8pm Art Market, Town Hall

3pm-8pm Santa's Grotto, Ducklings, Hillers Yard

5.45pm-7.45pm Street Entertainers by Curious Company, various locations around town

6pm School Choir Competition, St Mary's Church (an MCLA event)

6.30pm-7.30pm Kennet Valley Brass (an MCLA event)

7pm Lights switch-on, Town Hall (an MCLA event)

7.15pm Under 18s Christmas Disco, Azuza, Hughenden Yard

7.30pm Christmas Concert, St Peter's Church

We Love Christmas is supported Brewin Dolphin, Equilibrium Wealth Management, Wiltshire Council, through the Marlborough Community Area Board, Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, Marlborough Town Council, Ducklings, Thring Townsend and Wessex Print.

For more information visit We Love Marlborough at www.welovemarlborough.co.uk and the Marlborough Christmas Lights Association's website at  www.mcla.org.uk