THE town centre of Bury St Edmunds town centre is getting ready to sparkle for the festive season as the finishing touches are put in place for tomorrow’s Christmas Lights switch-on event.

Reindeer, penguins and donkeys will be among the star attractions along with a host of stage and street entertainment for shoppers and visitors to the town, with the fun starting at 2pm.

Dozens of charities will be represented in a special market taking place on Buttermarket and Cornhill and there will also be fairground rides and live broadcasts throughout the afternoon. The lights will be switched on at 7pm.

It is being organised by the town centre improvement organisation Bid4Bury and its chief executive Mark Cordell said: “We have got a number of new lights in place this year which will look stunning and Elveden Estates have very generously donated a magnificent tree once again which will add some real Christmas magic to Angel Hill.

“It promises to be a fantastic event for all the family and with free parking in the town centre from 4pm we are hoping for a bumper crowd.”

Tomorrow also sees the launch of the annual Festive Shop Window competition which is supported by businesses across the town all vying to win the prestigious Bid4Bury Shield, which is currently held by Tudor Rose, in Hatter Street.

Many shops in the town will be open until 8pm, giving visitors the opportunity to start their quest to win �100 in shopping vouchers in the town’s Christmas Challenge which has also been launched this week. Entry forms can be picked up from participating businesses, or the Bid4Bury office, and give full details of how to enter.