Newtown will be getting its festive celebrations underway this Saturday (November 30) with the return of the Santa Run, fireworks display and the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

The Kicking Off Christmas event will see hundreds of people descend on Newtown's High Street which will also have an illuminated bike parade, live music and stalls.

A warning has been issued to motorists ahead of the event as High Street will be closed for more than 12 hours from 9am to 10pm.

Free car parking will be available in the Gravel car park, located below McDonald's, all day on Saturday, and the Back Lane car park will also be free but from 6pm.

Pet owners are also being advised to prepare ahead of the fireworks display which is scheduled to start at 6.15pm in the town centre.

Severn Valley Events, who are putting on the event on behalf of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, said: "We look forward to bringing a family, festive event which will have lots going on including the Christmas light switch-on, live music, fireworks, carol singing, craft stalls, food, drink and much more!"

The free-to-enter 5km Santa Run starts at 2pm in High Street which will go along the river path towards Trehafren Fields then back down to near the Elephant and Castle Hotel before crossing the line outside Hafan yr Afon where everyone will receive a medal for taking part.

Saturday's celebrations include music from Alex Davies from 3pm followed by Sax to the Rhythm at 4pm. Then the New Dynamic Choir will be singing as Santa arrives in High Street at 5pm before the illuminate bike parade begins at 5.15pm.

The dazzling Christmas lights will then be switched on at 6pm which will be followed by a fireworks display to music at 6.15pm.

Popular local band Built4Comfort, which will close the celebrations from 7pm, said: "This is a big event in the Newtown calendar, so it'll be an honour to get you dancing in the streets. All of us are parents/big kids so this one feels special. Oh gosh I hope we meet Santa!"

Mid and North Powys’ Mind charity branch made the decision to cancel their annual Mental Elf fun run due to the Santa Run being arranged in Newtown on the day before their event.

However, the event at Hafan yr Afon on Sunday, December 1, from 10.30am to 3pm will include free craft activities and all children who meet Santa will receive a free gift.