WHITCHURCH will have its Christmas lights switch on this month, but there is much more happening in the town on the day.

The lights will be switched on by 2019's Citizen of the Year on Saturday, November 30, but the day will also feature a market, a parade and events inside the Civic Centre.

A Christmas market both inside the Civic Centre and outside in the High Street will be there throughout the day, as well as a children's mini fairground and the Rotary Club's Father Christmas will be present at the Bullring.

St Alkmund's Church is hosting their annual Crib Festival from 9.30am until 6pm with an array of nativity scenes.

The lantern parade will leave the Market Hall at 4.30pm in preparation for the big switch on outside the Civic Centre at 5pm, where crowds will be treated to a live performance from Josh Whittall.

And on the day various businesses will stay open until 6pm.

There will be entertainment on offer in the town throughout the day, including the Whitchurch Town Band, Gary Northeast, Dave Lock, The White House School Choir and Whitchurch Community Choir as well as dance performances from Glo's Dance and Cheer.

Town Centre manager Zoë Dean is looking forward to the day, and says that every year she is impressed with how much the town gets behind the event.

"I am blown away each year with the number of town organisations that get involved with switch on day," said Zoë.

"It is a lovely occasion for Whitchurch and we are very pleased to bring this free event to residents."

Meanwhile the mayor of Whitchurch Bev Duffy added that she is excited to reveal this year's Citizen of the Year ahead of the lights switch on.

"I am excited to soon reveal the Whitchurch Citizen of the Year 2019, who will be helping me to switch on the lights for the 2019 festive season," said Bev.

"This will be great day in town for Whitchurch and I urge you to come visit early as we have some exceptional market stalls on board this year, whose high quality produce is bound to sell out early."

Shropshire Council has also confirmed that the town will enjoy free parking from 2pm until 6pm on the afternoon of the switch on.

The free parking will apply at carparks in Newtown, Castle Hill, St John's Street, Pepper Street and Brownlow Street.

Whitchurch Civic Centre is also hosting a large Christmas Craft Fair the following weekend, Saturday, December 7, in the Market Hall from 10am until 3pm with free entry, many stalls and a café serving refreshments.