Old Town will be full of festive cheer at the Christmas lights event on Sunday.

The theme this year will focus on the community as well as unsung heroes.

The lights along Wood Street will be switched on at 5pm by Toni Starr, one of Swindon’s longest-serving NHS nurses.

Sister Toni joined the NHS in Swindon in 1964 and continues to work at the Great Western Hospital, in the special baby care unit, looking after new-borns that need extra care.

Entertainment will be provided across two stages by local dance and performance groups, including Ministry of Samba, DanzXpres Bollywood Dancers, and Swindon Hotsteppers, with a main stage takeover for the final hour before the switch-on by the Wilkes Academy.

Wood Street will have food and drink stalls, as will Joiner Lane with the addition of Santa’s grotto and a Kids Zone too.

Alex Pollock, of the Old Town Business Association, said: “Our plan this year has always been to make it bigger and better than last year, and to involve more people from different walks of life.

“We’re calling on the people of Swindon to turn out in their thousands once more, supporting local talent and the plethora of independent businesses that are involved.”

The event is being sponsored and supported by a number of local businesses and groups, including South Swindon Parish Council.

People can stop by from noon when the Sunday fun day will begin.