HASLEMERE’S countdown to Christmas got off to a dazzling start with the town switch on last Friday by home-grown ‘Stepping Out’ stage star Jessica-Alice McLusky.

Town mayor Sahran Abeysundara was joined by special guests Godalming Mayor David Hunter and Cranleigh Parish Council chairman Mary Foryszewski and the enthusiastic crowd outside the town hall enjoyed carols played by Haslemere Town Band and high-octane song and dance routines by Theatre Monkeys.

The fun continues this Saturday (3-7pm) with Grayshott Christmas Market at St Luke’s Church, complete with Santa’s grotto, festive stalls and free presents for under 10s. All Waverley car parks are offering free parking from 10am to 6.30pm as part of ‘Small Business Saturday’.

And it’s all systems go on Sunday when Haslemere Christmas Market kicks off along the High Street and West Street, with more than 200 stalls from 10am until 4pm. The market will also have kids’ rides, festive entertainment including live music, and a live Nativity.

A free shuttle bus service will run from Lion Green, Wey Hill car park and the station. Haslemere Events organiser Melanie Odell said: “The Christmas Market remains a very special event in the Haslemere calendar for both residents and the many visitors who return year after year.”