CHRISTMAS is coming and local towns are determined to make sure it will be a big celebration.

Activities and events are being planned for the festive season, with towns and communities in the Bury area preparing for the fun ahead.

In Radcliffe, the Christmas Lights Switch On will take place next Saturday. Festivities start at 11.30am and go on all day with entertainment by local school bands and choirs, and the cast of Radcliffe's pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The switch on will be at 4pm.

Festivities continue in the town with the Greater Manchester Police Brass Band appearing on December 21 in the Piazza. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens on December 10 and runs for the rest of the month.

In Prestwich, the big lights switch on will be held on Monday, December 2. A Christmas music hall for the over 60s will be held on the day at the Longfield Suite, with the doors opening at 1pm for the show at 1.30pm.

In Ramsbottom, Tracey Neville, from England's Netball Team, will start the celebrations on Sunday, December 1, at 1pm with entertainment by the Cotton City Jazz Band.

And at the Ramsbottom Civic Suite there will be a traditional carol concert and a Christmas party night. For more details, call 01706 822988.