JUST under 2,000 adults and children in Santa suits will mark the start of the festive season in Skipton on Sunday (November 24) with the Great Santa Fun Run.

The popular annual family event will take place on the same day as an afternoon of music, food and free fairground rides ahead of the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5pm by fun run organiser, Peter Ripley.

The fun run, which will see runners, walkers and people in wheelchairs doing either a 5k or 3k route around the town, taking in Skipton Woods and Aireville Park, is organised by the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven, with the first taking place in 2010. Over the last 14 years, the event has raised nearly half a million pounds for charity.

This year, the Santas will receive the all-important warm-up session before the off by fitness coach, Emily Parkinson of No 45 Otley street. The race itself will start and finish in the High Street and will be set off at 11am by rotary club president, Keith Drummond-Brassington.

At about midday, after the race, and when all those taking part in the run have collected their medals, entertainment will start on the main stage, in the closed High Street. The entertainment, hosted by Your Skipton Radio, and organised by Skipton Town Council, will include a wide variety of acts, including choirs, brass bands, dance groups, musical theatre and local bands and singers. Included are Northern Dance, Leah Sheldon, Broughton Road Performing Arts, Greatwood School Choir, Skipton Brass Band and Voices of Yorkshire Choir.

There will also be traditional fairground rides, including a Helter Skelter and carousel, which again this year the town council has provided free of charge in order for the event to be accessible for everyone. There will also be festive walkabout entertainment, reindeers, and face and glitter painting.

In addition to the entertainment and attractions will be a number of traders providing food and drink including mulled wine, 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.”

The Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm by Rotarian, Peter Ripley, organiser of the Santa fun run.