FINAL preparations are being made for the return of Christmas to Dursley on Friday evening.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event, marking the start of the festive period in the town.

Lights are being put up in shop windows and on the town hall ahead of the arrival of the Christmas tree tomorrow.

Planning for the town’s popular annual event in Parsonage Street has been ongoing since the beginning of this year with a dedicated team of volunteers ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch.

Entertainment will open at 4.30pm ahead of the main lights switch-on at 5.30pm followed by a five-minute fireworks display.

The lights will be turned on by BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter Mark Cummings, assisted by members of the DODS’ (Dursley Operatic and Dramatic Society) upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.

A choir from Dursley Primary School will give their rendition of six songs from 4.45pm with Rednock School band The Lost, singer Lizzie Lindsell and Cheltenham-based Last Orders providing further musical entertainment through the course of the evening.

Punch and Judy shows will also be held in Parsonage Street with the annual children’s lantern parade with Father Christmas starting from the market place at 5.45pm.

Mandy Woodward, chairwoman of Festive Dursley, which organises the annual event, said that they were looking forward to Friday.

“For us, we have been organising Friday evening since January so of course we are excited to see how it all goes.

“Over the last few years we’ve fine-tuned the event so that every year it gets better.

“Hopefully everyone has a really great time.”

A funfair will also be held on the night in the Castle Street car park, which will be closed from 1pm.