Morpeth Christmas Lights switch-on to include brass band music and festive window reveal

Live music and a visit from Santa will celebrate the switch-on of Morpeth's Christmas lights this November which also will feature what has become a festive tradition.

Rutherford & Co - the popular local independent store - will be revealing its Christmas window as part of the celebrations around the Northumberland town's illuminations. The switch will be flicked on the festive lights on November 16 as the finale of a day of a free family fun.

Morpeth Town Council is planning a whole programme of entertainment for what marks the start of Morpeth's Christmas countdown. And lifestyle store Rutherford & Co will be revealing its Christmas window at 3pm during the event.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing spoiler leaks Blackpool result as high scorer ends up in dance-off

READ MORE: All the Met Office weather warnings for snow in force this weekend, and where and when they apply

The unveiling of its decorations has been described as a 'classic staple' now of the Christmas lights switch-on and this year's event also will include brass band music, a visit from Santa and a festive scavenger hunt around the town. The celebrations will begin on the day at noon with free children's rides and face-painting on offer to both residents and visitors.

Street food and a full programme of live entertainment will be available all afternoon in Bridge Street, where Rutherford & Co is based. Youngsters can take part in Santa’s Stamp Search, the scavenger hunt which will involve spotting Christmas stamps across the town and returning the festive letters to post-boxes to be in with a chance of winning a hamper.

Coun Betty Bawn, the Mayor of Morpeth, said: “As a Town Council, we’re dedicated to supporting our residents and businesses and we feel like our Christmas celebrations do just that. Families can come and enjoy a jam-packed afternoon of fun for free and a much-loved traditional Christmas light switch-on, while shopping and supporting our fantastic local businesses all throughout the day."

She added: “We’ll have our live stage outside the town hall showcasing some of our brilliant school choirs and local acts to get everyone in the Christmas party spirit." The official light switch-on will be at 5pm, with the Mayor - accompanied by Santa and a competition winner - taking to the stage to help perform the honours.

A performance by Ellington Colliery Brass Band will wrap up the the day. Forms for the scavenger hunt will be available from The Pavilion; Rutherford & Co and other participating businesses. Find more about the day's plans on the council website or its Facebook page.