THOUSANDS of Christmas revellers will be heading into Chippenham town centre tomorrow evening to launch the festive season with the Christmas lights switch-on.

Chippenham Town Council predicts the event will be the biggest yet, with celebrity singer Marti Webb officiating at the grand switch-on at 6.30pm.

The High Street will be bustling with a funfair, stalls and street entertainers.

Edinburgh Festival regular Big Grey the Jester and the fire-juggling Bogle Brothers will make a guest appearance.

A Victorian fair will be held in the town hall, with arts and crafts stall in the Neeld Hall.

Chippenham Town Band will play carols in the Market Place and Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance.

Many High Street shops will also open late for the special occasion.

The town hall's reception will be transformed into a Victorian street scene, with refreshments served.

Last year the event attracted 3,000 visitors.

Disabled parking will be provided at the top of the Market Place but residents are requested to leave their cars at home to help prevent congestion.