THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas begins in Portishead on Monday when the town’s festive illuminations will be turned on.
The section of High Street between Wyndham Way and Combe Road will be closed between 6-7.15pm to allow for the switch-on.
A stage in The Precinct is expected to be crammed with VIP guests to help flick the switch to light up the town for the coming weeks.
This year Lorraine Schneider has been invited as guest of honour to switch the lights on.
Lorraine is the widow of Mike Schneider, a former lights committee member and long term supporter of the lights, who died earlier this year.
She will be joined on stage by chairman of Portishead Town Council Arthur Terry, BBC weather presenter Jemma Cooper and her co-organiser of Portishead carnival Wendy Watkins.
As always, Santa will be making a special appearance. He is expected to arrive at The Precinct on his sleigh at around 6.20pm when he will be happy to take letters from children who want to tell him how good they have been and what they are hoping for this Christmas.
The switch-on will be followed by a short but spectacular High Street firework display.
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