CHRISTMAS is launched over the next few days in Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton with the lights in all three towns being switched on. Potton will flick the switch first tomorrow (Friday) night at 6pm when Father Christmas himself will have the honour of ill

CHRISTMAS is launched over the next few days in Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton with the lights in all three towns being switched on.

Potton will flick the switch first tomorrow (Friday) night at 6pm when Father Christmas himself will have the honour of illuminating the Market Square after arriving on the local fire engine surrounded by children and carol singers.

The evening will also see a winter festival in the square where there will be stalls selling drinks, including mulled wine and hot chestnuts, cakes and sweets to get everyone in a festive mood.

Throughout the evening a choir will sing carols.

On Sunday it will be Sandy's turn to switch on the lights with a Victorian Christmas fun day organised by Sandy Chamber of Trade.

Festivities start at 2pm in the Market Square with carols being sung by Sandye Place School choir.

There will also be a Churches Together carol service and music provided by the Biggleswade Sea Cadets band.

The lights will be turned on at 4.45pm after the adult Victorian fancy dress competition by Christmas Prince Ben Kilby, 10, a pupil at Sandye Place School, and his Princess Elouise Sanderson, nine, who attends Robert Peel School.

At 5pm Father Christmas will arrive on his sleigh when visitors to the event will be able to enjoy free German mulled wine and warm mince pies.

On Monday night former Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson has the honour of turning on the lights in Biggleswade Market Square. Currently appearing in Dick Whittington at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, she is hoping to bring other members of the cast with her.

The countdown to the switch on will start at 7.30pm and will be followed by festivities including carols and stalls selling festive foods.