THE wintry streets of Kendal will light up for the festive season this Sunday when Father Christmas arrives in town for the big switch-on.

Excitement is building as Santa prepares to lead the parade, in his traditional reindeer-pulled sleigh, from Abbot Hall Park at 4.10pm - arriving at the Market Place in time for the switch-on ceremony at 4.45pm.

Well-known Kendal swimming coach Raymond Watson, who recently retired after nearly half a century of teaching the town's children, has been chosen to do the honours and set the lights twinkling as darkness falls.

The festivities are to begin much earlier, though, with entertainment and a Yuletide market opening at 1.30pm, including goods from Made in Cumbria and food stalls raising money for the Mayor of Kendal's charity.

Look out for goodie bags being given away with sales of The Westmorland Gazette close to the newsagents in the Market Place, from around 1pm. There'll be a selection box in every bag, and a glow stick in the first 100, so don't delay.

Last year's switch-on festivities were declared a success, with around 350 townsfolk flocking to Abbot Hall and Kendal town centre to enjoy live music, mince pies, mulled wine and festive shopping.

Kendal Town Council is hoping that the sparkling occasion this Sunday, November 27, will be equally popular. Councillors have been busy planning extra events with support from Elephant Yard, Castle Green Hotel, Wainwright’s Yard and Lakeland Radio, including refreshment stalls, live music and local acts.

Sunday's glittering line-up on the outdoor stage is to feature X Factor finalist Paul Akister; the talented young people of Stagecoach Theatre Arts School; Lady Gaga, Madonna and Kylie tribute act Lisa Gaga; Burneside singer/songwriter Holly Lovelady; cabaret artiste Stuart Michaels; and local auctioneer/singer Kev Kendal.

For more, visit www.facebook.com/kendalchristmaslights or Twitter @KendalSwitchOn

Meanwhile, following on from the success of last year's mini Christmas trees that adorned the town, Kendal BID (Business Improvement District) is expanding the offering.

Sarah Williams, manager, said: "Kendal BID has invested in the infrastructure, ensuring that the right Christmas tree brackets are now installed up Allhallows and Kirkland (for those businesses that wanted to take part). These brackets can be used for two purposes; they can hold Christmas trees or they can hold additional brackets that can then be used to carry hanging baskets.

"This year Kendal BID will be putting hanging basket Christmas trees and the same brackets can be used for Britain in Bloom in future years."