BROMYARD will be transformed into a winter wonderland when its lights are switched on next weekend.

On Saturday, November 22, Leominster MP Bill Wiggin will turn on the lights in The Square at 5.30pm.

The town centre will be closed to traffic between 4.45pm and 6pm to allow the public to flock to the ceremony and admire a 35-foot Christmas tree from the Brock-hampton estate.

Jonathan Lester, chairman of the Bromyard and District Chamber of Commerce, has organised the event.

"The lights will be up to their usual high standard," he said.

He added that he was grateful to groups and members of the public who had donated money towards

the cost of the lights. Bromyard Masons have given the cost of some of the electricity used to run the lights and the town council has donated £1,000.

Seasonal fun is planned for the whole afternoon, with Father Christmas arriving at the old station at 1.45pm to drive his sleigh up to The Square for 2pm. He will be in his grotto all afternoon with gifts for children, who can play on the swings and roundabouts in The Square after visiting him.

Bromyard Wind Band and Choral Society will be providing musical entertainment from 3.30pm.

The big switch-on is taking place half an hour later than previous years for everybody to admire the Christmas window displays in town.

Bromyard's traders are competing to win in trade (presenting goods for sale in a festive manner) and display (creating a festive window display) categories in a competition judged by Mr Wiggin.

Bus passengers are reminded that, on the day, The Square will be closed to traffic between 4.45pm and 6pm and buses will be re-routed to stop at Tower Hill on the bypass instead of Pump Street.