DECEMBER 6, PEWSEY: THE switching on of the Christmas lights in Pewsey will take place during a new event organised to bring the community together.

The Christmas Fair on December 6 is being spearheaded by the Pewsey Area Community Trust.

Each of the four community areas in Kennet has a new, Government-backed trust aimed at making improving life in the areas of Pewsey, Marlborough, Tidworth and Devizes.

PACT, like its counterparts in the other districts, has a wide-ranging brief, including commerce, tourism, housing and community awareness.

"The trust is working with village organisations to ensure the first Christmas Fair is a success," said PACT chairman Marilyn Day.

Groups working with the trust include the carnival committee, Hasbeens, Zixex, Pewsey Vale Amateur Dramatic Society, Kings Korner Band and the Shak youth club.

Kennet District Council, Wiltshire County Council and a number of local businesses are sponsoring the event.

The initial concept came from former village policeman Bob Lewis who lives in Pewsey and serves as a member of PACT.

It will include a variety of activities both in the Bouverie Hall and in the centre of the village.

Around the fire station there will be a pig roast, Santa's grotto, and the Marlborough Lions Christmas carols tableau.

There will be a funfair in the North Street car park.

Phoenix Brass will be playing a selection of Christmas music in the Market Place from 4pm and at 4.30pm the Christmas lights will be switched on by carnival queen, Danielle Robb.

PACT is organising an award for the best illuminated business premises in the village.

In the evening there will be bands playing and a dance display by Shak members in the Bouverie Hall at 6pm followed at 8pm by a family disco organised by the Hasbeens.

The only event people will have to pay for will be the disco. Tickets cost £1 and go on sale from November 22 at Head and Robins electrical shop.

Mrs Day said it was hoped to have more than 20 stalls in the centre of the village plus a display by local vintage motor-cycle enthusiasts.

Mrs Day and Kay Arthur, who are the main organisers, said the event was planned not for profit but to amuse and entertain villagers of all ages.

Mrs Arthur said: "Everything will be free apart from the disco."

There are already plans to repeat the event in future.

Mrs Day said: "This is the first time it's been organised but we are hoping it will become an annual event."