Christmas is just around the corner and it's coming to Richmond.

A town centre Christmas lights switch-on ceremony is being organised by Be Richmond, aka the Richmond Business Improvement District (BID).

Because of social distancing imperatives, this year the hugely popular community event will be live streamed on YouTube.

Residents have been encouraged to get cosy at home and tune into the broadcast as Be Richmond aims to replicate the festive spirit of the event.

The lights will be switched on on Thursday, November 26 by local lockdown hero Nick Botting, landlord of the Angel and Crown, whose team fed and helped homeless and vulnerable people over lockdown.

The event will be broadcast here starting at 5pm.

Read more: 'Hero' pub wins national award and moves onto next charitable mission

Entertainment includes:

• Richmond-based ex-Strictly pro Andrew Cuerden
• school pupils singing carols
• a choir made up of workers from Richmond town centre
• more other acts to be confirmed.

For safety reasons, entertainment will be pre-recorded in socially-distanced environments.

The broadcast will also include short clips featuring festive messages from Richmond businesses.

Segments from the broadcast will be rerun on social media.

Be Richmond manager Ellen Amorina Storrar said: "We know that many towns are cancelling Christmas this year because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, we were determined to find a safe way to recreate this showpiece event.

"We want to support our businesses by keeping Richmond in the spotlight and highlighting the quality and breadth of the retail and hospitality offer in the town centre area.

"We may not have the atmosphere of the crowds this year, but people can still enjoy a great community event from the comfort of their own home."

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