IF YOU are dreaming of a white Christmas but having nightmares about what to buy people then the Orpington light switch on event may hold the answer.

The festivities will start at 4pm on November 20 when Father Christmas will arrive with his three real reindeer and sleigh, stopping off en route to the North Pole.

He will park his sleigh just outside Orpington Village Hall in the High Street and if children have been very good this year they can sit in the sleigh.

And while they are being enchanted by the big man you can marvel at the variety of gifts on offer at the Keep It Local Christmas market.

It is visiting the High Street for the first time and with more than 20 stalls you are sure to find something unique for those hard to buy relatives and difficult to impress friends.

The locally made crafts and gift ideas are set to include silver, soap, slate and sweeties.

Many stores will keep their doors open late to welcome early Christmas shoppers and the bars and restaurants will be offering festive fare.

As another special treat, the beautiful Drayhorse Shires that appeared in the London Olympic Games opening ceremony will be offering rides in their Christmas coach.

There will be the opportunity for everyone to join school children and local choirs in singing traditional Christmas music around the main stage in the square outside the library.

There will also be a performance of popular, contemporary songs by the 60 strong Orpington Rock Choir.

The finale of the evening at around 7pm will be fabulous fireworks from the roof of the Walnuts Shopping Centre, the 10 minute display will follow the White Christmas theme and get Christmas off to an exciting start in Orpington.

This event is being arranged by the new Orpington 1st BID (Business Improvement District) company.

For more information contact Jane Webb at 07944 686897.

What is Orpington 1st?

Orpington 1st is a collective of businesses which in February voted yes to creating a business improvement district (BID) for the town centre, to re-invigorate the area.

The BID is a partnership between Bromley Council and the Orpington 1st members to develop projects and services to benefit the traders in the High Street area.

It is developed, managed and paid for by the members through an additional levy calculated on the business rates valuation.