AN ENORMOUS Christmas tree and a spectacular night-time light trail are among the attractions in South Swindon this festive season.

After stricter Covid restrictions cancelled most of last year's festivities, the area's parish council has made an effort to host celebrations over which bring back the spirit of the winter holidays.

On Sunday, a huge 25ft Christmas tree decorated from tip to toe in lights will be set up and switched on at Cavendish Square at 5pm.

The massive decoration will stay there for the rest of the year to add a bit of Christmas joy to the busy community hub.

A fast-paced team effort between the parish and borough councils got it all ready in time after original plans to hang up lights around Whitbourne Avenue had to be scrapped because the lamps were too old for it to be safe.

Coun Janine Howarth said: "We wanted to brighten everyone's spirits and people have really pulled together and worked hard to make it happen.

"The tree idea came from a surgery in The Shop and it grew from there, it was a fast turnaround."

Melanie Hall volunteers at The Shop. She said: 2We put flowers outside to raise people's spirits while they're queuing so the tree will be a fantastic addition.

"I want to thank everyone who helped make sure this took place. We want do more things for the community and take little steps to make a big difference."

Parish council chair Chris Watts added: "It's an exciting time, with this and the lights trail coming up. It's important to celebrate this Christmas as much as we can after what happened last year.

"The parish council is committed to helping out and putting on these events."

Next week, the Town Gardens will be lit up with a special display which aims to enchant and amaze visitors throughout December.

The 1.5km outdoor lighting trail speciall designed by Light Art Pioneers and Luminism will be switched on after 4.30pm from December 2 to New Year's Eve.

The parish council organised the display to brighten up and raise money for Brighter Futures by donating £1 from every ticket sold to the charity, which pays for improvements at Great Western Hospital.

As part of the illuminations, some Swindon schools have been invited to be a part of the event by helping to create one of the light art sculptures to be located at The Bandstand ,called Reflections of Swindon.

The gardens will remain accessible to the public as normal during its winter opening hours.Tickets are available from skiddle.com/groups/enchantedgardens