AN ice-skating rink and Father Christmas are expected to be popular attractions at the Chippenham Christmas light switch-on ceremony.

Many hundreds are expected to flock into the town centre on November 23 for the official ceremony and the fun afterwards.

BBC children's television presenter, Richard McCourt, will switch the lights on at 6.30pm. Richard is currently playing Wishy Washy in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal in Bath.

The Christmas celebrations have been organised by Chippenham Town Council and the town centre management partnership.

Emma King, the town's promotion and events officer hopes lots of people will support the event.

"There is something for every age group. It will be a magical evening with lots of fun and laughter and plenty of mince pies and Christmas cheer," said Ms King.

Father Christmas will be making a surprise entrance. Last year he abseiled down the side of the Angel Hotel. This year he will make a different entrance.

"His form of arrival is secret and people will have to find out when they come along tomorrow," said Ms King

Peter Rowell will be out and about with HTV's road show.

There will be plenty of street entertainers, Jennings Fun Fair will be filling up the High Street, shops will be open for late night shopping and there will be mulled wine.

The Neeld Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The hall will become an ice rink, an attraction supported by the Gazette and Herald.

Skaters young and old can hire skates and strut their stuff on an artificial surface which will be slotted together in the former cheese market. The synthetic ice rink fits together like a jigsaw to replicate the experience of skating on ice.

Skaters can turn up between 3pm until the rink closes at 9pm.

"This will be great fun and is certainly something different," said Ms King.

There will be a craft fair in the town hall from 5.30pm and other stalls in the High Street selling Christmas wares.

As a grand finale there will be a firework display at 8.30pm from the river island.

"It is going to be very busy and there will certainly be a fabulous atmosphere. There is so much going on," Ms King said. "We hope it will be better than ever."