Sarah Lovelock Wymondham is set to take a step back in time as the south Norfolk town prepares to celebrate its 22nd annual Dickensian evening this Thursday.With old favourites, as well as a few new surprises, all ages will be entertained and indulged in the community event.

Sarah Lovelock

Wymondham is set to take a step back in time as the south Norfolk town prepares to celebrate its 22nd annual Dickensian evening this Thursday, December 4.

With old favourites, as well as a few new surprises, all ages will be entertained and indulged in the community event.

The free-to-attend evening, which has been run by the Wymondham Lions Club since 1986, will begin with a lantern procession from Back Lane at 6.15pm.

The City of Norwich Pipe Band will lead the procession with the Mayor and Father Christmas following in an open landau coach, before arriving at the Market Cross to switch on the Christmas lights.

Last year, the event raised £1,224, and Lion David Webster said: “I would expect this year to raise about the same amount. The Lions donate the money to local charities.

“There is a real community feel and it is a great evening out. We invite everyone to dress up, including the traders, who will be selling mulled wine and mince pies.”

Hamilton Ice Sculptures, which has been established for 30 years and is based in London, will be making its first appearance at Wymondham's Christmas event.

There will be three ice designs: a Christmas cracker about a metre wide; a snowman about a metre high; and a two-metre-high Christmas tree sculpture will be made live on the night from 6-9pm.

Two new walkabout characters from the Natural Theatre Company will also mingle with the crowd and improvise their acts as they entertain spectators.

Back by popular demand will be two live reindeer, an attraction organised by Michelle Fernandes from the ladies' clothing shop Ward0robes. Ms Fernandes said: “My shop and four others have all chipped in to fund the reindeers this year.” Visit the attraction on Fairland Street from 6-8pm on the night.

Other attractions and activities include a Punch and Judy show, face painting, an appearance by children's entertainer Dave Doughnut, a hog roast and a selection of trader stands, including some for charity.

Peter Jepson, from Wymondham Lions, said: “There will be a grand draw to win a hamper at the end of the evening and a new addition this year is the Norfolk Constabulary Choir, who will perform a range of music.”

The churches and religious organisations in the town that are linked in Wymondham Churches Together, will lead carol singing in a religious presentation, accompanied by the Wymondham Area Schools Brass Band.

t For more information,contact Lion David Webster on 01953 602739; for trade and charity stands, contact Lion John Wilde on 01953 788268.