THE festive season is set to start in Salisbury tonight with the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Lighting up the city, and bringing the festivities into full swing – albeit in November! – the free event will draw in crowds of hundreds across the city and beyond.

When does it take place?

Thursday, November 21, from 5.30pm to 8pm.

Where is it?

Salisbury's Market Place.

Who will be turning on the Christmas lights?

Salisbury Journal:

Well, this year organisers have gone for something a bit different. No celebrity for 2019, instead nominations were taken to find a "deserving person or group" who've made a difference to their community to kick off the city festivities.

Selected was Molly Fisher, who works for charity Encircles.

What entertainment is on offer?

The always popular annual event will showcase “Caroloke” and fun with Disco Dion, local performers, walkabout entertainment, street food, and much more, say organisers.

Salisbury Journal:

Timetable of events

Here is what is happening and when:

  • 6pm: The event gets underway
  • 6.05pm - 6.55pm: Starcast, Disco Dion, and Liam White
  • 7.05pm: A blessing from Salisbury Cathedral Dean Nicholas Papadopulos
  • c.7.15pm: Christmas Lights are switched on
  • 7.20pm: The Zoots finish off the evening

Will there be fireworks?

Yes! Organisers have promised to light up the Salisbury sky with a display.

The event will be busy, how do I get to it?

Good question. Best answer, if you're driving, use the Park and Ride sites.

Free shuttle buses will be leaving Park and Ride sites every 30 minutes from 4.30pm, then every 15 minutes from 6pm. Shuttle buses returning to Park and Ride sites will be operating every 15 minutes from 7.30pm until 9pm.

Visitors are advised to not try and park in the city centre's car parks and instead use public transport if possible.