THE traders of Barnards Green are promising that this year’s Christmas Extravaganza, which takes place on Saturday, December 2, will be bigger and better than ever; with a packed programme of activities for all the family, many of them free.

Among them are free visits to Father Christmas in his grotto for all good children with a surprise extra- early gift.

Visitors will have the chance to meet a pair of animatronic unicorns which children will be able to sit on, and there is also the welcome return of the comedy magic show, featuring Magic Russ and Dave the Wonder dog as his sidekick.

Children will have the chance to practice their circus and craft skills, play on the double-decker play-bus and have their faces painted.

There will be also be choirs, dancers, tombola and other festive treats to keep everyone occupied.

And there will also be the chance for them to meet meet Minnie and Mickey Mouse and two Minions.

There is plenty of live music on offer to create that Christmassy feel,and there will also be the chance to buy the historical guide to the businesses at Barnards Green, produced by the local history group, and which was launched at a local history day back in the summer.

The extravaganza is this year raising money in support of Malvern Heartstart, which aims to install 50 lifesaving defibrillators across the town.

The traders are raising funds to buy a defibrillator which will be installed in Barnards Green itself.

Jane Knowles of the traders said: “The Christmas Extravaganza is a way for the traders of Barnards Green to say thank-you to the community that supports us throughout the year.”