Love Basingstoke will be spreading Christmas joy and kick-starting the festive period in style at the Top of the Town this November.

Visitors to Basingstoke’s historic heart will be able to start their Christmas celebrations and enjoy free activities, festive walkabouts, a market with local stallholders and music between 5pm and 8pm on Friday 15 November.

Warming up for their performances in this year's Anvil Arts family pantomime, evil Carabosse and Nanny Nora will be appearing by the Christmas tree in Market Place at 6pm. They will both be starring in Sleeping Beauty at The Anvil throughout December.

Keeping shoppers entertained, Corvus Angelicus – two 10-foot-tall stilt-walking angels – will spread love and light to everyone they meet and a local DJ will be spinning festive tunes outside The Willis Museum.

For those looking for a festive challenge, free fairground games with a Christmas twist will test their skills and provide a chance to win a prize. Children can create their own countdown to Christmas clocks and local artist Louise Hight will be offering free festive craft sessions.

And there will be plenty of opportunities to sample festive treats from Top of the Town businesses and find unique gifts and treats for loved ones while supporting local independent businesses as part of a special Christmas market. Items for sale will include candles, jewellery, sweet treats, local crafts and locally made baked goods including brownies.

Businesses in the Top of the Town will be offering foodie treats from outside their premises, including Gabardine and Chennai Express.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “For families gearing up for Christmas, Festive Friday is the perfect way to kick-start celebrations with lots of entertainment and activities to get everyone in the festive spirit.

“Visitors can find treasures from local businesses and traders, make memories and get in the festive spirit with loved ones with lots of music, performances and free activities.

“This is just the start of festive events and activities taking place across the borough so don’t forget to keep an eye on the Love Basingstoke social media channels for more inspiration.”

Following Festive Friday, Christmas events will be taking place in Festival Place, The Malls and around the borough. Find out more on www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk.