Thousands of people are expected to flock to Trowbridge for a day of festive fun on November 30.

The town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by a VIP guest, in Fore Street, at 6.15pm.

Organisers expect there to be even bigger crowds than usual thanks to the opening of the town’s new £3.7 million Odeon cinema, based at the St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park.

Maryrose Mantle, Trowbridge Town Council’s community development officer, said: “With the new development the town will be really busy and we aim to give visitors a view of modern Trowbridge contrasted with the traditional elements of Christmas.”

Prior to the big switch-on a Christmas Fayre will take place, from 10am-4pm, at Trowbridge’s Civic Centre, in the park. A choir from Bellefield Primary School will perform and there will also be a lantern workshop. The lanterns will be used as part of a procession, from 5.50pm, from the centre up to Fore Street.

Father Christmas will make an appearance at both events and Hilperton’s Primary School choir will sing on the town centre stage. After the switch-on, a carol service will be held at St James’ Church, at 6.30pm.

This year, Trowbridge will have two Christmas trees – one in Fore Street and the other in Trow-bridge Park. Three festive themed Enchanted Forest events will run at the civic centre on December 12, 13 and 14. The evenings will include a four course meal and music performances.

For more details, see www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk