Alloa will have its annual Christmas lights switch on later this month.

The festive event will take place on the High Street and there will be performances by a range of local groups, including Bowmar Pipe Band, Spotlight Theatre, and the Lochies School Makaton Choir.

Sauchie Community Choir and Clackmannan District Brass Band will also be playing.

There will be a funfair, Christmas market, and a Santa’s Grotto. Santa’s Grotto will be hosted at the Alloa Hub this year, and there is even the option of booking a Quiet Santa experience for children who dislike noisy environments.

Santa’s Grotto will be open Saturday, November 25, 2-4pm; Sunday, November 26, 1-4pm; Saturday, December 2, noon-4pm; Saturday, December 9, noon-4pm; and Saturday, December 16, noon-4pm.

Children can also post their letters to Santa in the mailbox beside the Christmas tree. Children should include their name and address so that Santa can write back to them.

The Elf Trail will also be running this year and there will be 40 elves to find throughout the town.

There is also a best-dressed Christmas window competition taking place for businesses in the town. There is no need to formally enter the competition, anyone with a shop window can take part. All that's required is to ensure the window is dressed in a festive theme by 4pm on Friday, November 24.

Provost Donald Balsillie will judge the windows that evening and the winner will be announced on stage at the Christmas Tree Lights Switch On event on Saturday, November 25.

The winner will receive the new Alloa Best Dressed Window trophy and a festive hamper.

Activities and entertainment on the day of the Christmas Lights Switch On will take place from 1pm, while the Christmas Market will be open from 10am and the fun fair on Mill Street from 11am.