Ventnor is holding a Christmas community day and carols in the park, with a huge range of events being held across the town.

Put December 10 in your diary, thanks to the efforts of Ventnor Enhancement Fund, Ventnor Carnival Association, Ventnor Town Council and St Catherine’s Church.

There will be live music, a lantern parade, and carols in Ventnor Park, as well as Christmas fayres at St Catherine’s and Ventnor Baptist Churches, and a Christmas market at Ventnor Winter Gardens – raising funds for St Catherine’s School.

There will be live music from 12 noon until 4pm in Spring Hill Gardens, featuring some of Ventnor’s favourite performers, including Greg Barnes, Ventnor Ukes, Ventnor Theatre Group and The Exchange Community Choir.

Santa and his helpers will be at a grotto in the High Street during the day.

Ventnor Carnival Association is organising a Best Dressed Window Competition and a Window Spot Competition as well as the Lantern Parade.

There will be awards for the best lantern and best fancy dress.

The parade will assemble on the Green in Dudley Road from 4.30pm and make its way to Ventnor Park from 5pm – led by Santa, Vectis Corps of Drums, and, of course, Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

Carols in the Park starts at 6.30pm and will feature festive favourites, led by the Undercliff Singers.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be provided by Ventnor Enhancement Fund and hotdogs by Ventnor Rotary Club. Tee in the Park will also be serving refreshments.

Santa will be making a prominent appearance. 

There are free lantern making workshops from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 26, at St Margaret’s Hall in Lowtherville and on Saturday, December 3, at Ventnor Baptist Church in Pier Street from 10am to 1pm.

To book your place to make a lantern, email Teresa at prestonchrs@aol.com or phone on 07443 569577.

Town Mayor Steph Toogood welcomed the return of the Lantern Parade and Carols and said she hoped lots of people would join in with the event – "the town’s community coming together to celebrate Christmas".