CHELTENHAM celebrates the switch-on of its Christmas Lights on Saturday.

Santa Claus himself will be in the spa town to switch on the lights in the Regency Arcade shopping centre and the town centre and there is much more before and after.

The town will be holding its first ever Performance Pageant prior to the lights being switched on and children can join in by making Christmas Lanterns at the Town Hall between 10am to 1.30pm. Under 13s should be accompanied by an adult and more details are available from the Box Office on 01242 521621.

The pageant, which promises a vibrant and colourful array of performers, begins at 4.30pm from Cambray Place, proceeding along the High Street to Boots Corner, and then on to the Promenade.

While Santa switches on the lights at the Regency Arcade shopping centre, radio station Star 107.5 will entertain people awaiting the arrival of the pageant with carols and hymns from Cheltenham Silver Band, The Richard Pate School, all-girl band Reality and Star 107.5s Camilla.

Santa will arrive in his Rolls Royce at the Municipal Offices where he will join characters from the Everyman Theatre's pantomime Dick Whittington and the Mayor of Cheltenham councillor Ken Buckland, in switching on the town centre lights at 6pm.

There will also be street theatre in the Regency Arcade and Beechwood shopping centres, on the High Street and Promenade.

Children can attend a Christmas Lantern workshop at the Town Hall from 10am to 1.30pm. All tools and materials will be provided and families are welcome. Under 13s must be accompanied by an adult.