PLANS are moving apace for this year’s Christmas in Crediton celebrations which will have a "Fairy Tale" theme.

The Big Switch-On, which includes the Christmas lights switch on in the High Street and of the huge tree in the Town Square, will be held on Friday, November 27.

Crediton High Street and associated roads will be closed to traffic for two hours during the evening, from 7pm to 9pm, to enable the grand ‘Fairy Tale’ Parade to take place, as well as some entertainment in the High Street.

Shops and businesses will be staying open late, until after the parade passes, many inviting regular shoppers and clients to receptions or complete some late-night Christmas shopping.

The parade will meet at St Lawrence Green at 7.30pm and depart at 7.45pm, arriving at the Town Square for the Switch-On Ceremony between 8pm and 8.15pm.

The “Fairy Tale” Parade will be led by an effigy of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, and everyone is invited to take part in the parade and to dress as their favourite fairy tale character for the occasion.

After the Switch On and arrival of Father Christmas there will be family entertainment in the Town Square, making it a truly memorable and magical event for the whole family.

A children’s fancy dress competition is being planned.

Many groups from the town are taking part in the parade and more are invited to take part, as well as individuals.

Market Street, North Street and other roads in the vicinity of the town square will be closed and there will be no parking on these roads.

Some stalls will be selling items in some of the streets and applications are welcome for consideration.

The Christmas in Crediton committee, which organises the town celebration events, is a sub committee of Crediton Town Council with representatives from town organisations, including Crediton Traders, Hedgerow Print and Crediton Arts Centre, as well as individuals.

In addition to organising the annual parade and Light Switch-On, it has organised the huge decorated tree in the Town Square and more than 60 decorated trees on shop and business frontages in the town.

This year, if funding permits, it is intended to increase this to 80 decorated trees on shop and business frontages.

This year, to date, the Christmas in Crediton committee has been funded by Crediton Town Council and generous donations from Crediton Dairy, Graphic plc, Crediton Milling and Create Storage.

In addition, the shops and businesses on which trees are placed to decorate the town are asked to make a £50 contribution to the costs, which are three times that amount.

The committee hopes that more businesses or individuals will make donations to ensure Christmas in Crediton celebrations can take place and be improved upon.

This year the traders have volunteered to put up the trees to cut down costs and an electrician will then connect the supply to the trees.

Volunteers from both of the town’s Rotary Clubs as well as other individuals act as marshals and stewards during the whole event and road closures are put in place by the AA. Chairman of the committee is Cllr Elizabeth Brooks-Hocking.

Crediton Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, the Christmas in Crediton manager, said: “Once again we are embarking on an ambitious plan to bring light and cheer to residents and visitors of Crediton.

“It is hoped that Christmas in Crediton 2015 will be one of several events during the year that will encourage people to visit Crediton, see what a fantastic place it is and how much it has to offer.

“Crediton High Street will be decorated with in excess of 80 Christmas trees each having 200 LED lights, there will be cross street decorations and a 25 foot Christmas tree in the Town Square adorned with more than 4,000 twinkling led lights and, of course, a star at the very top!

“The Big Switch-On will be held on Friday, November 27, when the High Street and associated roads will be closed to traffic for two hours. There will be a huge ‘Fairy Tale’ Parade from St Lawrence Green to the Town Square led by an effigy of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, with everyone welcome to join in.

“After the Switch On and arrival of Father Christmas there will be family entertainment in the Town Square, making it a truly memorable and magical event for the whole family.

“Last year more than 1,000 people came along and joined in and we believe this year’s event will be even bigger and better.

“However, in order to do all this, we do need financial support. The money we received from local businesses last year was very gratefully received, and appreciated, and helped to make a memorable and worthwhile event, which appeared on “BBC Spotlight”.

“Companies that sponsor the project will be recognised in the ‘Crediton Courier’, the Town Newsletter and the Christmas in Crediton “Facebook” page.

“I would welcome the opportunity of discussing this year’s project with anyone who can help with a contribution.”

If you can help with sponsorship, donations made payable to “Crediton Town Council” would be welcomed.

These can be sent to: Mrs Clare Dalley, Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, Crediton Town Council, Market Street, Crediton EX17 2BN.

If you would like to join the organising group, be a volunteer or find out further information, please contact the Town Council office on 01363 773717 or email: [email protected] .

Alan Quick