With Christmas less than 50 days away, Walton is gearing up for its annual Festival of Light.

Entertainment, promotions, offer for shoppers and other festive fun will take place throughout the day leading up to the eye-catching lantern procession, followed by the Christmas lights switch on in the studio plaza.

Youngsters will be spoilt for choice at the event and can even pay Father Christmas a visit at Play Inside Out toy shop in Walton High Street from 3pm to 5pm.

Children’s rides will be situated throughout the town, with a variety of entertainment throughout the day.

A number of children’s activities will also take place in High Street.

Among the other festive delights on offer, the Heart’s magical light switch on will take place at 6pm, with the mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Mike Bennison, and Father Christmas doing the honours.

The event, organised by the Walton Business Group and the Heart shopping centre, is set to be a great day out for family members of all ages.

Sarah-Jane Shellard, director of Walton Business Group and organiser of the event, said: “Every year the Festival of Light gets better and better.

“The Christmas Festival of Light is a great way for local residents and the community to come together and get into the Christmas spirit, and is a great way to kick-start the festive period.”

To coincide with the day, Rochills estate agents will launch its Christmas campaign in support of Home Start Elmbridge and offer free face painting and mulled wine to visitors at their office.

To help with the campaign, people are invited to wrap up a Christmas gift with a label stating whether it is for a boy or girl and their age range and the gifts will be distribute to children in need.

Walton Christmas Festival of Light; Walton town centre; November 30, festivities begin at 10am, lantern parade at 5.30pm, Christmas lights switch on at 6pm; free to attend; visit waltonbusinessgroup.co.uk.