A COLOURFUL carousel in St Helens town centre offering free rides to youngsters will kickstart a host of events to mark the festive season in the town.

The ride will be officially opened by the Mayor, Councillor Pat Jackson, at around 12 noon in Church Square on Saturday, November 13 but any primary school or special needs children aged 11 or under can have a free go between 10 and 11.30am and younger children between 12 noon and 4pm.

The following Saturday, November 20 sees a packed afternoon starting from St Helens Town Hall at 4.30pm where Santa's Parade starts from, accompanied by coachmen and helpers and led by the Shawforth Drum Majorettes. It will arrive in Church Square in time for the official switch on of the Christmas Lights at 5pm which will be performed by the Mayor and three young winners of a Schools Design a Christmas Card competition, due to be notified on November 15.

There is then entertainment from Marco's Victorian Punch and Judy, the Rapide Brothers - juggling unicyclists, Clown Beano and Holly with Reg the Rabbit in addition to carol singing and other events.

On Saturday, December 4, a festive carol singing concert will be held in Church Square between 12 noon and 1pm with free mince pies and at the same place the following week (Saturday, December 11), a Carnival Day will take place from 12 noon to 4pm with lots of giveaways and entertainment from Willie-eck-as-like, Mr Snowman and Polar Bear Postie who will be receiving children's letters to Santa. There will also be a draw to win a cuddly toy.

For more information, contact the council's Service Promotion Section on 455326 or 455349.

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