Full details have been revealed for the spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event coming to Cheltenham on Saturday 23rd November.

Inspired by ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, three switch-on parades starting at 4.30pm will see giant ghost puppets weave through town to join Scrooge and Father Christmas. 

Audiences have the chance to follow one of the three ghosts – Christmas Past starts at Cambray Place, Present at The Brewery Quarter and Future in Montpellier Street – before the parades end with the three ghosts meeting outside The Queen’s Hotel for a final showdown with Scrooge.

The story will end with the light switch-on as Father Christmas takes to the stage to turn on the festive lights and bring Christmas to Cheltenham.

The event is being run by Cheltenham BID, who are again adding to the spread of Christmas Lights in the town this year, with a new display in Winchcombe Street.

Kevan Blackadder, Director of Cheltenham BID, said: "Cheltenham is going to have more Christmas lights than ever before, and we’ve again worked with Montpellier-based Evenlode Productions on the switch-on event. It’s going to be a spectacular event for all the family."

As well as the switch-on, Cheltenham will be hosting a special late-night shopping event from 5-8pm on Thursday 5th December.

The event will also see a host of entertainers including carol singers, a brass trio and a Christmas magician, to keep busy shoppers entertained whilst they enjoy some festive retail.

Run by the BID and supported by Cheltenham Borough Council and Stagecoach, there will be free parking in all CBC car parks and free bus travel on Stagecoach services within the town and from both park and ride sites from 1pm.