The streets of Beaconsfield will be lined with people as the annual Festival of Lights returns next month.

More than 5000 people are expected to brave the cold weather for the popular community event, which takes place on December 9 this year.

The highlight of the event, the lantern parade involving more than 300 schoolchildren and their parents, starts from Sunrise of Beaconsfield in Station Road and follows the main road down through the town, over the railway bridge to the Town Hall green.

Barry Moxley, of the organising committee, said the event is shaping up to be the best one yet, with a spectacular array of entertainment, all in aid of charity.

He said: “The children have been decorating their lanterns each year and parade them through the town.

“It is a real community event that has been going on for around 30 years. We will have carol singers and fairground rides as well as a bungee jump and railway for children and two stages where bands and singers can show off their talents.

“No one needs to go hungry in the evening because we will also be having a barbecue and any money raised from that will also go to charity.”

There will also be an ‘impressive’ laser light show during the two-and-a-half hour festival and the event, which is run by the rotary clubs of Beaconsfield and Jordans and District, is funded by donations and sponsorship.

Mr Moxley said: “Lots of companies use it as a chance to stay open late and invite customers inside for a mulled wine and a mince pie, it is a very festive, community minded evening.

“It is hard work to organise and we are finalising everything now with a couple of weeks to go, but there is a nice atmosphere and we try and develop and improve it every year.”

While there has been some debate about whether the town should have an official Christmas lights switch on ceremony, with Beaconsfield Today saying it was a ‘shame’ that did not have one, Mr Moxley said having two Christmas events would be ‘unnecessary.’

He said: “The lights are switched on in town much earlier than the festival of lights on November 23, and I think it would be very difficult to have a switch on event and the festival of lights.

“The Festival of Lights is closer to Christmas and residents can really get into the festive spirit there instead. I don’t think it is necessary to have two events.”

The Beaconsfield Festival of Lights will run from 6pm until 8.30pm on Wednesday, December 9.