CHRISTMAS in Skipton gets off to an exciting start this weekend with the Great Santa Fun Run and the switching on of the town's festive lights.

A day of festivities will take place in the closed High Street on Sunday featuring brass bands, choirs, dance groups, fairground rides, reindeer and a festive market selling perfect Christmas presents and plenty to eat and drink.

The 5k fun run, organised by the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven will get underway at 11am from outside the town hall, and will be preceded by a 15 minute warm up by personal trainer, Skipton-based Emily Stirk.

More than 1,500 adults, children and families, have already signed up to take part in the run, but last minute entrants can still register, and collect their Santa teeshirt on Saturday between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Skipton Tesco. The race itself will be divided up for runners, joggers, walkers and also for disabled people and those who want to walk the course with a dog.

The lights will be turned on at 5pm on Sunday by 91 year old Mary Wild, the oldest participant in the fun run.

Tobias Garbutt, events supervisor for Skipton Town Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch on will take over High Street for the full day, and it is the perfect way to kick off the festive season in Skipton.

"The festivities start from 10.30am when the Santa fun run starts to gather and goes on until 6pm."

A stage at the top of High Street will be hosted by Rombalds Radio and from 12 midday will feature a host of live entertainment including choirs, brass bands, dance groups, musical theatre and local bands and singers.

Those taking part will include Northern Dance, the Voices of Yorkshire Choir, Isabelle Chew and musician, Skipton councillor, Andy Solloway.

This year, to add to the town-wide switch on event, Santa will walk up High Street to the big stage where the festive lights will be turned on.

Other attractions include traditional fairground rides, such as a helter skelter, which this year will be free, festive walkabout entertainment, reindeers, face, and glitter painting.

In addition to the live entertainment, there will be more than 50 stalls selling ideal Christmas gifts and food and drink including mulled, boozy hot chocolate and loaded fries.

Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said: “The event really showcases the best of Skipton, a wholesome day from beginning to end. It is only through the support and great partnership with organisations such as Skipton Rotary and BID, that Skipton Town Council can put on such a fantastic event.”

There will be free parking on Sunday from 9am at Skipton Building Society, The Bailey, courtesy of Skipton Rotary Club.