CHRISTMAS festivities will illuminate the 'auld grey town' of Kendal next weekend when Santa and his reindeer arrive for the Yuletide lights switch-on.

Last year's event was hailed a resounding success, with around 350 townsfolk flocking to Abbot Hall park and Kendal town centre to enjoy live entertainment, mince pies, mulled wine and festive market stalls.

Kendal Town Council is hoping that the sparkling occasion this Sunday, November 27, from 1.30pm, 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.

Father Christmas and his traditional sleigh, drawn by reindeer, will process through Kendal as darkness falls, and the lights will be switched on by 'a local hero'.

Last year there were fears that flooding might force organisers to cancel the festive lights switch-on, but the festivities went ahead and hundreds of people young and old braved rain to enjoy the town's Yuletide atmosphere.

Attractions included face painting and a merry-go-round at Abbot Hall; music from Kendal Concert Band and carols sung by Kendal Parish Church choir.

On the Lakeland Radio main stage, the crowd was entertained by a full afternoon of musical performances, starting with Burneside Brass Band, a Disney Frozen sing-a-long from Stagecoach Theatre School, and Morecambe singer Ashleigh Wood.

The lights were officially switched on by Kendal mayor Cllr Chris Hogg before the evening was rounded off in style by the children of Goodly Dale Primary School, Windermere.

To keep up-to-date with Sunday's events, visit www.facebook.com/kendalchristmaslights