SINGER Katey Custard will provide the songs when Church Stretton turns on its Christmas lights on Saturday.

The traditional Switching -On of the Christmas Lights on Saturday, November 24 will this year be performed, between songs, by the well-known local singer, Katey Custard.

Children are invited to come and meet Father Christmas at the Silvester Horne Institute between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, with snacks for both children and parents. Musical entertainment in the Square will begin at 3.30pm with singing by children from St. Lawrence School. They will be followed by Ellie Duppa and her band from Church Stretton School, before a rousing final set from the Ludlow Concert Band.

The Christingle Service in St. Laurence Church runs from 4.00pm - 4.40pm. The Switching-on of the Lights is set for 5.00pm.

This year the lights include not only the Tree of Light in the Square, provided by the Rotary Club, with sponsored lights in memory of loved ones, but also lights extended along the High Street for the first time, thanks to donations from the Chamber of Trade and local residents. The High Street will be closed from 2.00pm – 6.00pm .ith free parking on the Lion Meadow car parks.