Chatteris will come alive with a splash of sparkly colour when the big lights switch on takes place on Saturday afternoon.

Cambs Times: Christmas Lights switch on at Chatteris 2010Christmas Lights switch on at Chatteris 2010 (Image: Archant)

Thousands of pounds of lights have been put in place ready for the grand annual switch on at 4.30.

Cambs Times: Christmas lights switch on in ChatterisChristmas lights switch on in Chatteris (Image: Archant)

Established in 1985, Chatteris Christmas Lights are recognised as one of the best displays in the area and the scheme is acknowledged as an annual diary date for people from miles around.

Since then some £90,000 has been raised through collections, raffles and many other events to maintain and expand the scheme. The current replacement value of the display is nearly £100,000.

The streets will be lined with traders to help get everybody into the festive spirit and Santa will be in his grotto ready to meet and greet youngsters as well as fun fair rides and refreshments.

The Salvation Army will hold a Christmas Fayre and the Variante Ensemble will play seasonal music in Market Hill Gardens.

In St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church the annual Christmas Tree Festival is also a popular attraction while the Emmanuel Church in East Park Street will serve hot soup.

The Lights Committee is entirely voluntary and the results of their many hours of hard work, before and after the event, are enthusiastically appreciated by the residents and visitors to Chatteris over the festive season.

During the Christmas period the lights are on daily from 3 to midnight.