Free family fun will welcome the festive season to Coalville as the town's Christmas lights are switched on later this month.

Santa, festive stalls, Christmas lights and local performers will form part of North West Leicestershire District Council's (NWLDC) itinerary to bring the festivities to town on Saturday, November 25.

Christmas in Coalville will see the town filled from 10am to 5pm with street performers, bringing Elvish Pressie and the National Elf Service on hand to entertain visitors.

Crowds will also be invited to enjoy all the fun of the fair on Market Hall car park.

Free events for the whole family will include main stage performances kicking off at 2pm in Needham's Walk car park, headlined by local group The Inspired.

Local group The Inspired will be playing live

Coalville Community Choir, Leicestershire Co-op Band and dance troupe Thornley Dance Academy will also take to the stage.

The Belvoir Shopping Centre will be transformed into a Christmas market, with stalls from artisan makers and bakers offering tasty treats and gifts.

A stage in the shopping centre will also feature performances from pupils from Belvoirdale, St Clare's and St John the Baptist primary schools.

Head down to Newmarket in Marlborough Square for festive food and gifts, free caricature portraits, a tiny Christmas tree giveaway and festive Creative Kids club.

During the festive fun, the Christmas lights will automatically be turned on to light up the town centre in the afternoon.

Elvish Pressie will also be in Coalville on November 25

As a finale to the event, the council is also trialling the use of a laser show, in place of fireworks, and will also bring snow to the stage with a set of snow cannons.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at NWLDC, said: "Free festive family fun is once again coming to the town thanks to the support of local businesses, traders and the many acts joining us for the day.

"We've listened to the feedback from previous years about the noise from fireworks and the impact of them on wildlife, and so we're introducing a laser show.

"I look forward to seeing these laser illuminations adding to the festive atmosphere."