Bridport's much loved festive event is back soon to officially kick of celebrations in town.

Bridport's Christmas Cheer is taking place on Wednesday, December 3, hard launching the seasonal spirit in the countdown to the big day.

The streets in the centre of Bridport will come alive with sounds of choirs, smells of favourite food stalls and dazzling sights of newly switched on Christmas lights.

The event, running from 3.45pm until 8pm, is well attended every year and provides family fun guaranteed to get everyone well in the mood for merriment to last the entire month.

Over 50 arts, crafts and food stalls will be set up in the Arts Centre, Electric Palace, the Town Hall and along East, West and South Street, making it easy to grab last minute gifts for loved ones.

People can also stop to chat to local charities at the markets stalls that have worked hard throughout the year.

From 3.45pm in Bucky Doo Square, school children from Bridport Primary, Burton Bradstock, Symondsbury, St Mary's Bridport, St Catherine's, Loders, Salwayash and Powerstock will gather to sing Christmas carols until 5.30pm.

The performance will lead up to the switching on of the tree lights by Mayor of Bridport, Anne Rickard, at 6.15pm.

This will be followed by the Bridport Rock Choir and music by Jawes, an up-and-coming band from Beaminster until 8pm.

High energy dance performances will also be held in Electric Palace from pupils of Perfect Pirouettes, Kelci Dance Academy and Lyric School of Dancing. Admission is free and starts at 5.15pm.

Alongside the evening market, many local retailers will be staying open later for customers to browse for seasonal gifts and some will be hosting refreshments while you shop.

The annual event also means the Christmas Shop Window Competition is returning to the town with businesses encouraged to get involved and embrace the festive spirit by donning the decorations in the front of their stores.

Residents can vote for their favourite shop window display from the Tourist Information Centre or online at bridportandwestbay.co.uk.

The evening promises to be a spectacular event kicking off the rest of the Christmas fun to follow, including Santa's Grotto on December 7 and the Bridport Carnival Festival Trail which runs until December 24.

Free parking will be available in town for the event.