BEVERLEY will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the town's Christmas lights switch-on. An ice rink and an outdoor cinema screening of The Snowman will be among the main attractions in the town's market place.
The festivities on Friday, November 29, will also include a charity winter fair with stalls, entertainment, music and games.
Julian Minshall, chairman of the Beverley and District Chamber of Trade, expects this year's event to draw thousands of people to the town.
Mr Minshall said: "People know when they come to Beverley it's not just a mass of illuminations – it's done in a way that complements the historic centre.
"We also like to put on something different and by having an ice rink and an outdoor cinema for one night only we will, hopefully, attract a large number of people."
Local radio station KCFM, choirs and bands will provide music to entertain the crowds. There will also be a charity hog roast and barbecue.
Phil Scaife, chairman of the town's switch-on committee, said: "It gets bigger and better each year.
"This year is going to be a fantastic event where local community groups, charities, schools, businesses and the public come together and celebrate the start of the Christmas season."
Mr Scaife's business, De Lacy Spa, is sponsoring the outdoor cinema show on a 10m by 6m inflatable screen and he insisted it was not too late for other businesses to get on board and support more attractions.
He said: "There's still time for more local businesses to become involved because there are more things we would like to do."
The 12m by 12m artificial ice rink, which will be erected in a corner of the market place, will be open on the day from 3pm, to give children a chance to cut a dash on the ice on their way home from school.
Mr Scaife said: "We will be charging a small fee to go on the ice rink because it needs to raise money for the Christmas lights. It's a first for Beverley and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun."
Prue Blake, secretary of the Beverley Christmas Lights Appeal, said there would be more illuminations this year, thanks to annual fundraising efforts in the town.
She said: "I think the lights look really good. We want to make Beverley sparkle at Christmas. The lights attract people to the town and it must be good for trade.
"It brings people together in a great atmosphere so it's good for the town generally."
Beverley Christmas lights event guide3pm: Opening of the ice rink in the market place.
5pm: Winter fair opens.
6.15pm: Service and lights switch-on at the Market Cross.
6.45pm: Lights switch-on, corner of Cross Street/Toll Gavel.
7pm: Lights switch-on in Angel Square.
7.15pm: Lights switch-on by Beverley author Val Wood, in Wednesday Market, and other festive attractions.
7.45pm: Outdoor cinema in Saturday Market.
Any businesses interested in sponsoring events at the Christmas lights switch-on should email Mr Scaife at phil@frame3d.co.uk or call 01482 866748.
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