WOTTON'S festive season gets under way on Saturday, December 1, with the return of Christmas under the Edge.

The event, which features festive entertainment, refreshments and evening shopping for all the family from 4pm to 7pm, is being organised by Nicola Palmer, of the Craft Room, and friends.

“There’s always a really nice atmosphere at Christmas under the Edge,” said Nicola.

“We’ll be closing a couple of the roads, and lots of local charities and societies will be setting up stalls there.

“Santa will walk up to his grotto, in the Star Inn’s beer garden.

“There’ll also be music from local school choirs and young performers.

“Cafes will be open, plus there’ll be a selection of small fairground rides.

“And the fire service will be parking up their fire engine, so that the children can come and have a look around it.”

Families will also be able to enjoy taking part in the town’s reindeer trail.

It features 66 reindeers which have been decorated and named by shop holders and organisations, and are now are on in display in Wotton’s windows.

Entry forms are available from the Craft Room and Wotton Heritage Centre.

Completed correct entries will be entered into a prize draw.

The Under the Edge Arts Christmas tree lights switch on will take place at 5.30pm. The Round the Edge Choir will be singing around the tree as it is illuminated, and then will continue singing in the high street.

Artist Nicola Hill designed the poster for this year’s Christmas Under the Edge (see above).

Nicola, who recently had a successful exhibition at Under the Edge Arts, will have a stall on the evening, selling prints, glass coasters, calendars and copies of her children’s book.

She has had no art training, but took up painting as a way of relaxing and says her ultimate goal is to be a children’s book illustrator.