Now here’s a date for your diary, folks: Friday 24th November. For that’s the date when Swindon’s Highworth Christmas lights will be turned on this festive season. Yes, grab yourself a mug of mulled wine and munch on a mince pie or two to warm the ol’ cockles as we gather round and count down to the start of the most wonderful time of the year.

I shall be mingling with the crowd and geeing everyone on as we head into the big countdown of 2017. Do come and say ‘hi’ if you see me, we could even snap a cheeky festive selfie together!

Remember, alongside my studious town crying duties, I also have a range of characters that can be hired out this festive season. But hurry, they’re booking up fast, drop me a line over at alanmyatt@blueyonder.co.uk to see if I have the perfect participant for your festive function.