FATHER Christmas will be spreading festive cheer tonight as he joins the celebrations for the switching on of the Christmas lights.

He will be joining a parade of characters including Cinderella's coach, brass bands, stilt walkers and a giant snowman as the clock ticks down to the main event.

The countdown to the lights will begin at 6.45, when Father Christmas will be joined on the Guildhall Mix 107 stage by Brian Conley as Buttons and Michelle Potter as Cinderella from this year's Wycombe Swan pantomime, as well as Mayor Valerie Razzaq and John Savage, Chairman of Wycombe District Council.

Funfair rides and live music will be put on in the High Street from 5.30, and at 6.20 the Eden Time Capsule will be revealed to the public.

Wycombe District Council are asking shops in High Wycombe to stay open later for the event so that people can also make a start on their Christmas shopping.

Mayor Razzaq said: "It's a nice thing for everyone to come together for. It reminds me of when I was a child when the High Street used to be absolutely packed.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful just seeing the little childrens' faces, they really look forward to it."

Once the town has been lit up, the parade will continue to Frogmoor where the fun will continue on the stage outside The Chilterns Shopping Centre.

Performances will include juggling, magic and music, with Santa - who will arrive in a sleigh pulled by real husky dogs - setting up his grotto inside the shopping centre from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.