Preparations are underway for another special Christmas in the capital.

After an estimated 7,000 residents attended the traditional lights switch-on last year, plans are afoot to hold a similar event with a range of annual favourites and some new additions for the 2023 festive season.

More details will be released closer to the big switch-on, which is scheduled for Thursday, November 23, but snow, Santa, shopping and seasonal cheer are all guaranteed.

Douglas City Council and Douglas City Centre Management organise the event and a full Christmas programme is currently being finalised.

Council Leader Claire Wells said: ‘Christmas is a special time of year with people coming from all over the Island to see the lights and experience the Douglas atmosphere, spending money and boosting the economy in the process.

‘Of course, it takes a lot of planning and members of the public may see some of the lights and trees going up fairly soon. That is purely down to the fact we need to begin installing the lights slightly earlier this year as the electrical team is unfortunately operating at a reduced level over the next couple of months so decorative lighting on the outskirts of the city will be scaled back due to staffing resource.

‘Yet the main shopping area and city centre will be fully illuminated once again as the capital comes alive with festive spirit and staff will be working hard to help deliver another Christmas to remember for shoppers and traders who we are keen to support and ensure they receive the economic boost Christmas footfall provides.’

The festive season will officially burst into life with attractions stretching from Duke Street to Castle Street.

These will include family entertainment and attractions such as the ever-popular ice sculpture, an outdoor cinema, free children’s rides, the snow garden, a craft fair and Santa’s Grotto.

There will also be a combination of entertainment and animation at weekends in the run-up to Christmas, including choirs, bands and a range of fun characters.