CHRISTMAS begins in the picturesque spa town of Great Malvern on Friday, December 1, with two days of fun and laughter. For the first time in the historic town, four reindeer will be pulling Santa's sleigh round the busy streets, heralding dance, music and entertainment in every corner of the town.

Festivities begin at tea-time on Friday, when children's TV personality, Dave Benson-Philips, switches on the festive lights. Dave is appearing as Buttons in the popular pantomime Cinderella, which is the highlight of Malvern Theatre's winter schedule.

Before he performs his duties, Santa and his reindeer will leave the council house in Avenue Road, where he will welcome children to his grotto behind the town council offices.

At 5.30pm, a lantern procession for children in the town will commence to Belle Vue Island, ready for the big switch on. The procession is due to meet with local bands - including the Samba Band - and the McLean handbell ringers will be gathered in Church Street. A funfair in Abbey Road is also sure to be a magnet for the children.

For the second year running, the Christmas festivities have been extended and will last for two days, culminating in a glittering firework display in Priory Park at 6.15pm on Saturday, December 2.

During Saturday, an Arts and Crafts market will take place and the town will host various forms of street entertainment including a brass band, a jazz band, clowns and face painters.

Anthony Collis is the town centre co-ordinator for Great Malvern. He is confident that the number of visitor to Malvern over the festive weekend will break last year's record of 3,000.

"It's going to be a great Christmas in Great Malvern this year. We have not one, not two, but four reindeer parading through the town to welcome Dave Benson-Phillips, who will be switching on the lights," added Mr Collis. "We shall be presenting a Cinderella window com petition with family pantomime tickets up for grabs.

The shops will stay open until 7.30pm with many tempting offers. We want everyone to have a great time in Great Malvern."

There will be another Arts and Crafts Market on Saturday, December 9, and a Farmer's Market on Saturday, December 16.

"All in all, Malvern is going to look great this Christmas," said Mr Collis.