MORETON-in-Marsh starts the festivities early this year, with its Christmas lights and market event on Saturday, November 24.

There will be 80 stalls selling unique and handcrafted gifts, food, decorations and houseware. For the first time, there will be mulled gin to sample, as well as mulled cider and wine. The market is on the High Street from 9am.

Sadly, the town lost a friend and loyal supporter this year, Ken Clark. To say thank you to Ken for all his help and generosity for so many years, the south tree will be dedicated to his memory.

If you have lost a loved one this year, you can pay them respect with a memory star. You can fill out a form and your memory star will be hung on Ken's tree from Monday 26th - visit the Katharine House Hospice shop on the High Street at any time, or find forms on the tombola stall opposite the stage.

The Christmas Lights and Market is organised by a small group of volunteers, working on a not-for-profit basis. As the group wants to support local charities and clubs as well as local businesses, the Redesdale Hall will again be packed with charities and local groups and clubs.

You'll also find a new Kid's Zone upstairs in the hall, with games to play and seats to take a load off. While there you can decorate a jumper for a Christmas jumper competition - gather at the stage at 3pm for judging and prizes. Santa arrives at noon by fire engine, and will be in his grotto downstairs from 12:15 to 4:14pm.

There will be live music from the Cotswold Choir throughout the day, as well as all the classics. The carol service starts at 4:30pm, and a special VIP guest will turn on the lights in the town at 5pm.

There is free parking all day at Old market Way on Station Road. The Satnav post code is GL56 0JY.