Rushden will turn its Christmas lights on with an event in the High STreet, promising live entertainment, festive activities, and more.

Festivities begin at midday, before the mayor of Rushden, Cllr Janet Pinnock does the honours of switching on the lights across the town centre to officially welcome the festive season in Rushden at 4.30pm.

A Rushden Town Council spokesman said: “Whether you're visiting with family, meeting friends or supporting our local traders, there's plenty to enjoy as we come together to celebrate the festive season and bring the magic of Christmas to Rushden.

“Come along, enjoy the festivities and help us make this year's Christmas Lights Switch-On a memorable occasion for the whole community.”

Among the festivities will be activities such as fairground attractions, reindeer to meet, live performances and local entertainment and free face painting, balloon modelling and Santa's Grotto.

Also present in the High Street will be a range of local stalls and food vendors, with a soundtrack provided by Beat Route Radio.

The Rushden switch-on takes place one week after the event in Wellingborough, and just two days after Kettering welcomes the Christmas season on November 26.