A children’s parade, carol singing and family entertainment will open a three-week long festival in west Suffolk later this month.

The Clare Winter Festival launch will take place on Friday, November 24, alongside a two-day Christmas fair at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in the centre of town.

The winter festival in Suffolk’s smallest town will encompass a large number of events in venues around Clare, culminating with the Christmas Market on Market Hill on Saturday, December 16.

The festival launch will feature music, hot food, mulled wine and hot chocolate as well as street entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas.

Alongside the festival fun, a variety of Christmas stalls will be available at the church Christmas fair, with the chance to enjoy carols and refreshments.

The town will also switch on its Christmas lights on Saturday, December 2, and on the same day there will be a Christmas craft fair in the town hall.

Clare’s independent shops will also get in on the act with a late night shopping experience on Thursday, December 7.

There will be plenty of music to enjoy over the festive period also with Treble C, the Clare community choir, performing a concert in the town hall on November 25, and a community carols event in the baptist church on December 11.

A display of nativity scenes of all shapes and sizes from many different places - including many from groups and individuals in and around Clare – will take place on December 6 in the baptist church.

On Saturday, December 16, there is an opportunity to finish any Christmas shopping at the last Clare market of the year, with stalls plus food and drink, handmade crafts, mulled wine, live music and free chocolate coins for children.

Mary Evans, Suffolk County councillor for Clare, said: “I am delighted to be supporting the Clare Winter Festival.

“The town is coming together in a wonderful community celebration of Christmas, which will provide interest and entertainment for people of all ages set against the backdrop of this beautiful and historic town.”

Alaric Pugh, St Edmundsbury Borough councillor, said: “This is a great new festival for west Suffolk, and don’t forget to visit the town’s late night shopping event.”