SLEIGH bells ring, are you listening? Christmas is almost here again – and what better way to start the festive season than with a trip to Ammanford?

The switch-on of the town lights marks the traditional start of the run-up to the big day and there is plenty going on in Ammanford to make this Christmas the biggest and best ever.

Choirs, carols, decorations, fireworks and a former X Factor contestant will all be part of the town’s annual celebrations and fill the air with festive spirit.

The official Christmas lights switch on will take place this Friday, December 2 from 4pm until 7.30pm. Stalls of plenty will be set up on Quay Street packed with handmade gifts and delicious treats.

Ammanford Town Council, Ammanford Chamber of Trade, Radio Carmarthenshire and Carmarthenshire County Council have teamed up once again to bring a show stopping Christmas event to the town centre.

Father Christmas is also stopping at the Pensioners Hall to visit all the children of Ammanford. He will be available to visit from 4pm and provide children with a Christmas gift on behalf of Ammanford Town Council.

Making a return to the festive event by popular demand is the Giant Snow Globe, which will be set up in the Pensioners Hall where children can have plenty of fun in the winter wonderland.

The kid’s fun fair will be on hand to give the crowds a thrill and why not visit the stalls which will be scattered around full of unique gifts.

Also this year sees a brand new activity available at the event which will swap little donkey to little pony, as the furry friends will be attending the event. You’re little ones will be able to enjoy a pony ride free of charge.

Just before the grand switch on at 6pm, which is set to be bigger and better than ever before, singer Niall Sexton from this year’s X Factor will be taking to the stage to entertain the crowds.

Niall got to the judges houses stage of the singing competition and got to perform in front of Nicole Scherzinger and her guest judge Calvin Harris in the South of France., but now he is going to bring his star quality to Ammanford.

Also taking to the stage on Quay Street is Ammanford Community Theatre who will be performing a 20 minute snippet of their pantomime Cinderella, which will be performed at the Miners Theatre the following week.

After the switch on of the Christmas lights and the town is illuminated, Ammanford Town Silver Band will be taking to the stage to perform traditional carols and Christmas hits which the crowds can sing along too. Bilingual song sheets will be handed out on the night so you can get involved in the Christmas spirit and belt out your favourite carols along with the live performers.

So whether it’s shopping or celebrating this year, Ammanford has everything you need from fine food, great gifts and plenty of good times.

With so much happening in Ammanford the only question left to answer is whether you have been naughty or nice.

So if you’re feeling unsure which of Father Christmas’ lists your name is on, make sure you make the most of the time you have left and get into the Christmas spirit in Ammanford.