The town centre's christmas lights will be officially switched on by The Mayor Kim Darby at 4:30pm on Sunday 30th November in Salisbury Square, to the accompaniement of Dumcombe School Choir .

The switch-on forms the centrepiece of Hertford's Christmas Gala, which starts at noon on Sunday and features carol singing in Bircherley Green and Salisbury Square, together with juggling acts, a stilt walking snow queen, dance acts, majorettes and an exhibition by Hertford Camera Club in The Millbridge Rooms.

Richard Hale's School Band will also be performing in The Corn Exchange whilst music groups from Simon Balle can be heard at St.Andrew's Church.

Other events include Hertbeat FM outside Waitrose, with a live reindeer; a town crier, clown and a Christmas window dressing competition.

Characters from Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society's pantomine Cinderella will also be out and about in the town.

Hertford Museum is staging Victorian themed activities from 12 noon, incuding displays and quizzes, dressing up and play with old toys, Victorian festive foods and craft demonstrations.

Over at the Castle there will be a Christmas craft and gift fair with a range of stalls offering special gifts for all the family. There will also be Santa's Grotto, which is open from 11-1pm and 2-4pm (entrance £2 per child).