Swindon's first Christmas of the millennium is set to arrive in spectacular style.

Final preparations are being made for two of the town's most popular Christmas events.

In store is a programme packed with song, dance, celebrity appearances and jaw-dropping decorations.

It is being billed as the town's biggest and brightest Christmas countdown yet.

The seasonal celebrations will start on Thursday, November 23, with the lights switched on in the town centre.

Home and Away star Aleetza Wood, who plays Petra in the Australian soap opera, will do the honours, illuminating Swindon's centre in a blaze of light.

Star of the Wyvern Theatre's Aladdin pantomime, Aleetza agreed to push the plunger after visiting the town earlier in the year.

Wyvern manager Ted Doan explained: "Aleetza visited Swindon in July to launch the panto and loved the town so much she was more than happy when we approached her to officially switch on the lights."

Along with the Christmas Steering Group, which comprises town centre retailers, the Wyvern is supporting the event which had looked likely to be cancelled.

A month ago, the theatre told the Evening Advertiser that low sponsorship funds meant the show was to be scrapped.

But following a surge of support, BBC Wiltshire Sound will host the event and there will be visits from Pudsey Bear and Swindon's Town Crier Fred Ferris.

The switch-on will be followed by performances from the Tanwood dancers and Thamesdown Ladies Choir.

Later, the Evening Advertiser's very own Skyguys will soar into the air high above the Brunel Centre.

Powered by jets, the inflatable festive characters will entertain crowds with their unpredictable dance routines and flapping arms.

The brightly coloured Santa, snowman, toy soldier, spaceman and a doll each stand 12ft tall.

They will be illuminated every day until Christmas Eve becoming a festive focal point for shoppers.

Back on the ground, live reindeer will be paddocked on Wharf Green, in front of House of Fraser.

The magic continues between 6pm and 8pm when Santa's grotto is thrown open to visitors.

Styled as a space station, the grotto will be nestling between Marks & Spencer and Boots in the Brunel Centre.

Thereafter it will open every day until 2pm on Christmas Eve.

The Evening Advertiser's traditional Carol Concert will provide a beautiful musical backdrop to what promises to be an enchanting evening.

It starts at 7pm under the canopy in front of Debenhams and everyone is invited to join in.

Stalls selling old-fashioned Christmas ware and fare will be set up around the centre, courtesy of the Christmas Steering Group.

The Sunday after , Swindon's annual Christmas Carnival promises even more fun for all the family.

The event has been planned since January and is set to launch the Christmas trading period.

Fun packed with professional and community acts, the event has been sponsored by the Brunel Centre to the tune of £10,000.

The money has been spent on top performers who are coming from all over the country.

Thirty-one groups of entertainers are booked to take part, including seven silver drummers from Newcastle, The Ambassadors mobile steel band, The Natural Theatre Company, stiltwalkers and characters from the Nutcracker ballet.

Members of the Swindon Town squad, GWR majorettes, The Celtic Academy of Irish Dancing and a New Orleans brass band have also agreed to join in.

The carnival will make its way through Swindon centre starting from the Town Hall at 10.30am and finishing in Market Square.

After it has finished at approximately 11.10am, the acts will perform around the centre for three hours, helping Christmas shoppers enjoy the rest of their day.