OLD TOWN'S traditional Christmas lights will be switched on this week with a family party.

Dancers, singers and entertainers will converge on the area on Thursday.

The fun kicks off at 6pm with Robbo the Clown and ends with entertainment from fire jugglers Crazy Waiters and the Raving Lunies.

Panto characters from the Wyvern Theatre's production of Cinderella, the Tanwood Dancers, the Swindon Male Voice Choir, fun band The Locomotion and Father Christmas will also be joining in.

The lights will be switched on at 7pm in Wood Street by deputy mayor Stan Pajak after a countdown by town crier Fred Ferris.

The Old Town Business and Professional Associa-tion still need to raise another £2,500 to maintain and service the lights.

Harry Bromley, co-ordinator of the event, said he was confident the extra money could be raised by the contributions of local shops and businesses.

He said: "I am very grateful to everyone who has helped us this year and I hope we will continue to be supported as we still need to raise more money.

"The Christmas Lights can uplift the town and really get people into the Christmas spirit and children love seeing the lights being switched on. We try to make it as traditional as possible and use Wood Street as a stage."