The Voice star Janine Dyer lined up for Christmas kick-off in Mexborough

The countdown to the big day begins on Thursday with an appearance from Santa and his four-legged friends.

The family-friendly event, from 4pm to 7pm in the town centre, will also include a Christmas market, free face painting, a present for all Mexborough kids and the grand opening of Santa’s grotto.

And next weekend, the big switch-on will happen at 4.30pm on Saturday. 

The fun includes a performance by Janine Dyer (pictured), star of The Voice UK in 2016, festive children’s entertainment, fairground rides, carol singing, dancers, a raffle and the chance to learn circus skills.

Both events are being organised by Mexborough Events Committee.

Chair Sean Gibbons said: "Volunteers and partners have been working hard behind the scenes to bring some real festive sparkle to Mexborough this year.

"This year we are bringing real reindeer to Mexborough so that families can enjoy seeing them alongside Santa and his grotto.

"I would like to thank everyone for pulling together across the town with local businesses, community partners and Doncaster Council officers all coming together as we look forward to the 'Countdown to Christmas' in Mexborough."

Meanwhile, an appeal has been launched to fill festive hampers for the hungry.

Mexborough Community Partnership and its volunteers are allocating Christmas hampers for families in Mexborough that are in need of some extra christmas cheer.

Christmas-related foods and other items, including crackers, chocolates, biscuits, gift sets, packet and tinned foods, are all being requested, as well as supermarket gift cards.

Donations should be handed in to Mexborough Resource Centre and Zed Lettings in Adiwick Road, Mexborough, by this Friday.