PENARTH is gearing up for a day of festivities and the switching on of the Christmas lights next Sunday, November 30.

The ever-popular event is growing by the year and this year’s spectacular is set to be bigger and better than ever.

A Penarth Town Council spokeswoman said: "Brace yourselves for the most impressive and fun-filled parade yet which will feature a broad range of familiar characters that are sure to bring a smile to your face. The vibrant characters will be leaving West House at 1.45pm to lead Santa into the town centre for 2pm when he will be collecting everybody’s Christmas letters in front of the stage at 2.05pm.

"There will be stage entertainment throughout the day starting with Manon Parry and Jodi Bird at 1pm followed by performances from Performing Arts Academy Wales, Tabernacle Church Choir, Gentlemen prefer blondes and Rock Choir whilst the fabulous Fran Donovan will deliver the all-important countdown."

Local shops and cafes will throw their doors open in honour of the event, whilst Victorian fairground rides on Glebe Street, hook-a-duck and pop up stalls will provide something of interest for the whole family. The Christmas lights switch on, the highlight of the day, will be at 5pm. The best dressed window competition is yet again being heavily supported by local traders. The judging will commence in mid-December and the winner will receive their prize before Christmas.

She added: "Penarth Town Council would like to thank you in advance for your continued support of the Christmas Switch on event and look forward to seeing many of you there. A lot of work goes in to planning and organising the event and we hope that you will all enjoy yourselves."