CHRISTMAS light switch on events in market towns across Herefordshire will mean roads will be closed this weekend.

Crowds will gather in Ledbury, Bromyard and Ross-on-Wye as the festivities begin.

In Ledbury, the switch on attracts crowds of up to 2000 people, according to police estimates.

There will be free parking in the town on Saturday (November 23), with various groups and choirs providing entertainment.

The Market House will be the centre of the entertainment, Ledbury Town Council said.

The spokesperson added: “Santa Clause will be in our Council offices between 2.30pm to 3.30pm and from 4pm to 5pm where each child will receive a gift bag full of festive treats. The entry fee will be £1 per child.”

The switch on itself will be at 5.15pm, with Church Street closed between 8am and 7pm.

Also on Saturday, the Square in Bromyard will be closed from 8am to 7pm and Broad Street and High Street between noon and 7pm for the switch on.

There will be a Christmas street market in the town for the first time and a lantern parade as local schools, youth clubs and families join a parade prior prior to the switch on at 5pm.

In Ross-on-Wye on Sunday (November 24) there will be stalls on High Street & St Marys Street between 11am and 5pm, with the roads closed from 6am to 7pm.

The Christmas market will be followed by the light switch on at the Market House at 4.30pm.