A FUNDRAISER has been launched to pay for a big screen at Royal Wootton Bassett’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The town’s festive event, which is expecting to attract up to 10,000 people next Friday, will see local children take to the stage to perform.

But the stage, which faces across the high street because of potential problems to traffic on the M4 from the lights, means only a small number of people will be able to see the performers up-close.

The entertainment kicks off off with the Community Children’s Choir, many of whom are performing for the first time on stage, followed by RWBA Dance, Wessex Male Choir, Wootton Bassett Light Operative Society, and headliners The Tribe.

Rachael Fernandez, parent and director of Bruck Payne Associates, told the Adver: “The music starts with the young people who are being extremely brave. To be able to stand up on stage in front of thousands of people is a big deal for them.

“I’m a parent as well and my boy is singing, but for others it means only a few people will be able to see their children sing.”

The Town Council has funded a big screen in previous years in 2015 and 2016 but its budget for this year’s event does not cover the cost.

The fundraiser is looking to raise £2,100 by this Thursday, and has already attracted donations from local businesses.

Lisa Williams, stage and music manager, told the Adver: “I actually cried when Rachael told me how important it is for the children.

“The council just couldn’t afford to fund it again.

"All our acts perform for free, so it’s a way of us saying thank you to the groups that are giving up their time to share their music.

“It means they’ll be seen, and they’ll enjoy it, the buzz in previous years was phenomenal.

"It’s a really diverse mix of kids.

"I’ve got four kids doing solos and they’ve never done a solo before.

“It’s a win-win. This is huge for a town this size, it’s good for the community, for local businesses. But it will make the biggest difference to those kids, just having the screen, it would be awesome.

“When we had the screen that was a big draw definitely, the High Street is packed. I cram the line-up full of acts.”

Those wanting to help raise the extra amount, which needs to be agreed by this Thursday, should contact Rachael via email on rachael@bruckpayne.co.uk or can contact the town council.

Local businesses wanting to donate will also benefit from advertising on the screen in front of the crowds.