Totnes is gearing up for a spectacular Christmas season, with festive markets, late-night shopping and the return of its much-loved Lantern Festival Parade set to bring the town centre to life.

Across three Tuesdays in December, more than 70 artisan stalls will fill Market Square, with the markets running from 3pm to 9pm on December 8, 15 and 22.

Independent shops along the high street will also stay open late, giving visitors the chance to browse handcrafted gifts and festive produce, while free entertainment from street performers and choirs will add to the atmosphere.

The first market on December 8 will coincide with the town’s annual Lantern Festival Parade, which will take a new route through the town centre this year.

Led by Town Mayor Cllr Tim Bennett, the parade will set off from the Seven Stars in Dartmouth Square at 4.30pm, travelling up Fore Street and High Street before finishing at The Rotherfold by 6pm.

Spectators will also be able to enjoy the town’s festive shop window displays, with businesses invited to take part in the annual Christmas Window Competition.

Cllr Bennett and Dean Leybourn, of Totnes Business Forum, will judge the entries between November 25 and 30, with cash prizes up for grabs in four categories: most innovative display, most sustainable display, best festive atmosphere and people’s choice.

The celebrations will build on the town’s Christmas lights switch-on on November 24, when the streets will be illuminated with the return of the annual display, alongside new festive light projections on buildings along Fore Street.

For more information about Christmas events in Totnes, visit visittotnes.co.uk.