THOUSANDS of people are preparing to flock to a Hampshire town for a Christmas celebration with a difference.

A winter giant will wake up at the Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham on Friday, November 24 from 5.30pm to kick off the town’s Christmas countdown.

The giant will stroll along West Street telling Christmas themed stories with lanterns and music.

Reindeer, a stilt-walking Jack Frost band and a number of Christmas activities will also take place from 4pm including face painting, street entertainers and a variety of arts and crafts.

The winter giant will then join the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Geoff Fazackerley to turn on the lights at 6.30pm with activities continuing at Westbury Manor until 7.30pm.

The lights are being funded by Fareham Borough Council in partnership with Westbury Manor Museum and Ashcroft Arts Centre, both run by Hampshire Cultural Trust and aim to make the town an attractive Christmas shopping destination.

Annabel Cook, Head of Combined Arts at Hampshire Cultural Trust said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new take on the Fareham Christmas light switch on. 

"With hundreds of residents showing interest in the event, we can’t wait to see the crowd’s reaction when they see John the Giant and hear his story. It really will capture the spirit of Christmas.”

Councillor Sue Bell, executive member for Leisure at the council added: “This year our Christmas lights switch on is completely different.”

“John our Winter Giant will tell a heart-warming story as he walks through Fareham town centre.

“Come along and celebrate in this completely free, family-friendly event as we officially start the countdown to Christmas 2017.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “This is always a very popular and successful event but this year we wanted to make it amazing both for the young and the young at heart. I encourage everyone to come along”

This year’s event follows the success of 2016, which attracted between 4,000-5,000 people for an afternoon of Christmas carols, live bands and Fireworks with the Switch on led by panto duo Tod Carty and Lloyd Warbey.

Meanwhile, Little Mix tribute act LMX and Wave 105’s Rick Jackson will switch on Gosport’s Christmas Lights on Saturday, November 25.

The event, which in previous years have attracted 1,500 people, will also see have a variety of craft events, face-painting, hot drinks and food as well as a lantern workshop in the Discovery Centre from 12pm to 2pm.