MORE than 800 lanterns will light up the streets of Milford Haven for the annual switching-on the town's Christmas lights.

The annual event, which sees thousands of people parade through the town, sets off from the police station on Charles Street at 3.45pm on Saturday, December 5, after a performance by the Nantucket Wailers community choir.

Leading the way will be Milford Haven Town Band, followed by Father Christmas and members of local fundraising group, Milford Haven Round Table, and hopefully guest appearances from characters from this year's Torch Theatre pantomime.

Glowsticks, paid for by Milford Haven Town Council, will be handed out by fully costumed members of Stratford Players, and Neyland Ladies Choir will perform outside the town hall at 4.30pm.

The town lights will then be switched on by Father Christmas at 5pm, and there will be free entertainment for children, provided by the Port of Milford Haven.

Winners of the children's annual painting and poetry competitions will also be announced, with prizes given out.