Newtown's Christmas with a difference begins

Christmas begins in Newtown today with the official lights switch on and a laser display over the town.

All the events are taking place online throughout the evening by clicking here.

Judging of the Newtown Window Competition is underway and this evening the Christmas lights will be switched on as part of an online festive event.

Online events and workshops have been underway over recent weeks in the build up to the Newtown Winter Lights event today.

"The evening’s programme, showcasing the best of Newtown’s talent will start at 7pm on the council home page, https://newtown.org.uk where you can watch it all evening," said a Newtown Town Council statement.

"The programme will include films from schools showing their lanterns, a speech from the mayor, Father Christmas, the lights switch on and then a fantastic evening programme of local talent sharing stories, music, theatre and making. And you will be invited to make some noise on your doorstep at around 7.15pm.

"There have been socially distanced workshops for young people from Cre eight DJ project who will be playing a live DJ set from approximately 9pm."

Local people have been recording songs and undertaking activities in the build up and these will be broadcast this evening via the website and Facebook.