Holsworthy square is the place to be on Friday evening when the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on, writes Christine Williams.

From 5pm there will be musical entertainment throughout the evening by local artists, starting with Lily Boo-Casey and followed by Cameron Mills, Angelique Medland and hip-hop artist Reece ‘Twiggy’ Luscombe.

Around 6.30pm it will be the turn of Holsworthy Town Band, followed by The Far Cry and at some time between 7pm and 8pm Father Christmas will arrive for the switch-on.

Reggae/Rock/World Fusion band Lionstar will see the evening out.

Holsworthy and District Lions will be there with a barbecue and hog roast and there will be inflatables and Phil Vanstone’s amusements.

The lead-up to Christmas continues at 6pm on Sunday, December 6 with the civic carol service in the parish church.

The festive celebrations continue next Wednesday, December 9 when from 6pm there will be late night shopping both in and around the square and in the Memorial Hall.

Father Christmas will be there, of course, and a highlight of the evening will be a lantern parade.

Children are asked to join the parade by bringing lanterns and meeting in the Memorial Hall at 6.30pm, from there the town band will lead them into the square. Everyone who takes part will receive a free hot dog!