PARKING will be free in most Dawlish car parks at specific times to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the Christmas celebrations, it has been announced.

Teignbridge Council has offered free parking all day at both the inner and outer car parks at Dawlish Warren which can be used for park and ride on the train, into town.

Parking will be free from 3pm on Saturday November 29, the day of the official lights switch on, at the Strand and Barton Hill car parks.

And on Sunday November 30, parking will be free from 2pm also in the Strand, and Barton Hill car parks.

A spokesman for Dawlish Chamber of Trade which is organising the packed programme of festive events with Dawlish Town Council, said: ‘This is a wonderful boost for residents, local shops, and visitors alike, thank you to Teignbridge District Council for providing this support.’

Volunteers have been out in force getting the town centre ready for the weekend.

Selfie boards, for humans and dogs, are in position ahead of the festive lights switch on.

Members of the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce have installed almost 100 lit Christmas trees outside shops, cafes and retail outlets.

Over November 29 and 30, there will be lots of events and entertainment.

From 10am on Saturday 29th November, festivities will begin with a full day programme of live music performed around the town centre, showcasing local talent, while revellers enjoy some Christmas shopping.

The official lights switch on takes place starting at 4.30pm with a lantern parade and live nativity hauled by a festively decorated tractor and trailer.

There is also a two-day Christmas market, choirs, bands and live music, family entertainment and carol sing-a-longs.

Father Christmas will be arriving not by a sleigh, but by a vintage Bedford Delivery Van owned by Gay’s Creamery, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of trading in Dawlish this year.