CHRISTMAS festivities will go ahead in Llanfyllin this year despite the challenges of social distancing.

The town council is determined not to let the coronavirus pandemic make the festive season any less special and plans are in place to ensure the whole community can be involved.

Residents are invited to send in ‘Christmassy’ videos to contribute to an evening of virtual entertainment on Friday, December 4.

The evening will be broadcast online via the town’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel.

In the days leading up to the event, residents will be able to enjoy seeing the tree decorated with baubles made by schoolchildren from the town and surrounding villages.

Buildings will be decorated for the best-dressed business and private homes competition.

On the evening itself a mystery guest will accompany the Mayor of Llanfyllin, County Cllr Peter Lewis, for the virtual lights switch-on.

Santa Claus will have a message for the children and competition winners will be announced.

The videos submitted by performers will be broadcast afterwards.

“Lots of people have had a really tough year and we felt we needed to do something fun to give us all something to look forward to,” said the deputy mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Jane Carrington.

The deadline for applications for best-dressed building and for school groups and parents to send in their children’s baubles for varnishing is next Friday, November 27.

For applications, sending video entries or for more information please email Llanfyllin.Christmas.Market@gmail.com

Plans are also being made for a potential weekend day-time Christmas market to be held in December.