WEYMOUTH'S festive season is set to explode into life as the town turns on its Christmas lights.

The big switch-on will be marked with a procession from Brewer's Quay through the town, arriving at Marks and Spencer, on St Mary Street.

There will be a special appearance by Captain Hook, from Weymouth Pavilion's pantomime Peter Pan.

He will be accompanied by a procession of vintage vehicles and children on board a festive train. The Carnival Queen, Amy Cook, will accompany Father Christmas and Weymouth and Portland mayor Joy Stanley in a carol-singing session, led by Weymouth Choral Society.

The entire party will make the return journey to Brewer's Quay to switch on the lights on the Hope Square Christmas tree.

A balloon race has been organised to take place before the switch-on.

The entry fee for the race, which balloon that flies furthest wins, is a donation to the Mayor's Charities Fund.

The winning balloon will entitle the owner to a family ticket to see Peter Pan in December.

The procession will begin at 2.30pm on Saturday, November 24, and will arrive at Marks and Spencer at 3pm.