CHRISTMAS IS coming to High Wycombe this year and it will be even better than before.

That’s the message from the town centre's business improvement district HWBIDCo as it announces the return of the town’s festivities this holiday season.

Taking place on Saturday, November 18, from 12pm to 6pm, families can expect to be amazed by a spectacular Christmas Lights festival, with two sound stages, giant snowglobe, food trucks, fairground rides and more.

Across the country, Bournemouth Councils announced plans to cut costs on their Christmas lights switch on events by cancelling it, but the Town Centre BID team stepped in to save Christmas.

As the festive season approaches, The Bucks Free Press asked HWBIDCo what Wycombe's plans are this year and whether the budget remains the same.

A spokesperson said: "Yes, there will be a Christmas Lights Switch-On in High Wycombe in November – it’s always been a really popular event in the town’s calendar, and well attended by residents and visitors alike.

"Despite cost increases, our budget for the event remains the same as it has for the past 5 years, so we have had to be proactive in making funds stretch further."

The event has also been moved to a weekend to ensure more people can visit.

"The event has purposely been moved to a Saturday and the event hours extended. This will enable more visitors to attend throughout the day, resulting in increased footfall to local businesses.

"It also allows for longer promotion and support of all the event’s participants, including many of High Wycombe’s charities, community groups, schools and small businesses.

"It’s always been a feel-good community event, and we can’t wait to kick off the festive season in just a few weeks…"

High Wycombe’s Christmas Lights Festival will take place on Saturday 18th November from 12noon to 6pm.

For more visit https://hwbidco.co.uk/home/whats-on-in-wycombe/.