Summer holidays may be in full swing but, with only 147 days to go, plans are already in place to get tills jangling in Spalding shops at Christmas.
Santa will arrive in town on Sunday, November 17, for the lights switch-on, amidst a day of activities in the Market Place and all around town.
The annual event that marks the start of the town’s festive season is being organised by Spalding and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
Emails have already been sent out to local traders in the hope they will add to the atmosphere by dressing up and holding activities and competitions in their shops.
Committee member Jan Whitbourn said: “We decided to hold the switch-on on a Sunday this year to give traders an extra boost and so we didn’t clash with the Saturday market.
“There used to be a really successful Sunday market where people took along their own stalls, so we hope we can attract as many as possible so the town really buzzes.
“We’re trying to make it bigger and better to help the traders – after all that’s what it’s about.”
As well as the arrival of Santa with the Flower Queen Inca Honnor, in hopefully a novel way this year, there will be stalls, entertainment, choirs and activities and competitions in the shops.
There will also be the return of the popular dog show and Tulip Radio will be broadcasting on the day.
Local groups such as the Guides and Young Farmers are also being invited to get involved.
Jan said: “If you know any-one who may be interested in getting involved in any way – maybe a dance team that would like to showcase what they do, individuals who can sing and would like to show off their talent – please do contact me as soon as you can.
“We also need marshals and people to generally help out.
“The sun may be shining but the snow will soon be here!”
If you would like to take part, email Jan on admin@tulip-radio.co.uk