FROM a children’s tea party with Father Christmas to a traditional church service, tonight’s light switch-on in Flackwell Heath is open to all.

The festivities will kick-off with a flourish this afternoon as children and adults are invited by the village residents association to join in the fun at the Community Centre at 3.30pm.

As well as the new event for the children’s tea part, there will also be pantomime-styled entertainment from village drama group the Mavericks.

The Flackwell Heath Residents Association has also arranged for a Santa’s grotto – and all of this is before the lights are illuminated.

Following a traditional service from Rev Chris Bull at 5pm on Jubilee Gardens the paths in the village will be lit as if by magic, FHRA Chairman Janet Smith said.

She added: “It takes a huge amount of time and effort to arrange the Christmas Lights in the village; with the planning usually starting early in the New Year. “As well as all of that, FHRA also talks to all the village businesses and invites them to be involved and enter the festive window display competition.”

“None of this would be possible without the generous help of the Community Association. Thank you” she added.

The lights themselves will be turned on by the winners of a children’s colouring competition and the event will be followed by an invited for mulled wine and mince pies – with Father Christmas even staying for some treats.

Music on the evening will be led by the West Wycombe Brass Band.