CHRISTMAS will be welcomed not once but twice to Ledbury this year, thanks to two crowd-pleasing festive events.

First up, in the heart of the scenic market town, will be the switch-on of the Christmas Lights on Saturday, November 25.

Father Christmas will arrive by Weston's dray, to the cheers of young and old alike, at 1pm. His stopping point will be the Market House, where there will be a large community Christmas tree, paid for by Ledbury traders.

Santa will have his grotto in the panelled room of Ledbury town council offices, and here he will hand out presents to scores of wide-eyed youngsters.

The entrance will be through the British Legion Club in Church Street.

Church Street which will be closed for the event.

Entertainment in the town centre will include performances by Ledbury Community Brass Band and Ledbury Amateur Dramatics Society.

The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm, at the Market House, and shortly afterwards there will be a children's candlelit procession to the parish church, where there will be a Nativity service.

On December 2, there will be a road closure in New Street from 1pm to 4pm, for the Tudor Christmas Festival.

This will include jesters and jugglers and lute players, and Andy Ward, the landlord of the Talbot Hotel, will be King Henry VIII for the day.

There will be Tudor wreath making and food on offer, made from genuine Tudor recipes.