POLITICAL satirist Ian Hislop is to open this year's Christmas lights in Aldeburgh, it was revealed last night. The BBC's Have I Got News For You team captain will light up the seaside town at 5pm on Saturday, November 25, as part of a weekend of festival activities including the popular Jubilee Opera and The Twelfth Aldeburgh Documentary Festival.

POLITICAL satirist Ian Hislop is to open this year's Christmas lights in Aldeburgh, it was revealed last night.

The BBC's Have I Got News For You team captain will light up the seaside town at 5pm on Saturday, November 25, as part of a weekend of festival activities including the popular Jubilee Opera and The Twelfth Aldeburgh Documentary Festival.

As well as watching the big switch on, visitors will be entertained by Ally the Clown, the Co-op Juniors, and children from Aldeburgh Primary School who will all appear on stage.

Other attractions include food stalls, face painting, hair braiding, entertainers, mulled wine, clog dancing, music from the Martlesham Brass Band and the Leiston Royal British Legion Band.

Richard Kihl, co-ordinator of the Lights Festival, organised by Aldeburgh Business Association, said: “It is always a very special day for the children and of course with the switch on of the traditional lights display the town takes on a stunning glow and warmth for Christmas.”

Father Christmas accompanied by the Carnival Queen will arrive on stage in the High Street at about 2pm.

From there he will hand out gifts to the children in his Grotto at Laines Hairdressing in the High Street.