BATH'S CHRISTMAS celebrations are set to really kick off with the switching on of the festive lights and the opening of a four-day Christmas Market in the city.

One hundred local children will walk through the streets of Bath carrying paper lanterns after giving a concert at Bath Abbey, arriving at Kingston Parade at 5.50pm on November 29 to watch the mayor, the chairman of the council and the deputy mayor from the city's twin-town Braunschweig switch on the lights.

The market, open at Kingston Parade next to the Abbey as well as in Abbey Green, will then be open for business.

The market is the first of its kind in Bath and Cllr Gitte Dawson, one of the officials behind the launch, says it should be a great success.

Cllr Dawson said: "I am looking forward to it very much. It is something that we have put so much effort into the whole project has taken 10 months of preparation.

"The market will have a German theme and will be selling different items including food, crafts and Christmas gifts."

The market will be open on Thursday November 29 from 5.50pm-9pm, Friday November 30 from 10am-9pm, Saturday December 1 from 10am-9pm and Sunday December 2 from 10am-8pm.

Those who wish to attend the concert at Bath Abbey should arrive to be seated by 4.55pm.