THE countdown to Christmas begins in Radcliffe on December 1.

Carol singing, Harry Potter competitions, Father Christmas, singing and dancing will infuse the town centre with a festive atmosphere, culminating with the Christmas tree lights switch on.

The fun starts at 1.30pm with a Harry Potter lookalike competition and then, between 2pm and 2.30pm, there will be carol singing and dance routines by the cast of Radcliffe Civic Suite's pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

Budding young stars who can sing, dance or entertain in general, can enter the talent show at 2.30pm. This will be judged by a well-known soap star and the winner will receive a free drama course at the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop.

At 3.15pm there will songs from Beauty and the Beast followed at 3.30pm with a mini concert by up and coming boy band Nau-T.

The Harry Potter Drawing competition will be judged at 3.45pm and the winner of that and the Harry Potter lookalike contest will be invited to switch the Christmas tree lights on at 4pm.

Tottington Brass Band will provide seasonal tunes and there will be carol singing by lantern-light.

Throughout the afternoon mince pies, mulled wine and hot chestnuts will be freely available and youngsters can visit Santa Claus in the Market Hall.