THE revival of a town's carnival could depend on the success of its first-ever Christmas festival.Hadleigh's newly-formed entertainments committee is hoping that the red and white festival it has organised for the end of this month will generate enough enthusiasm and some funds towards reviving the carnival next summer.

THE revival of a town's carnival could depend on the success of its first-ever Christmas festival.

Hadleigh's newly-formed entertainments committee is hoping that the red and white festival it has organised for the end of this month will generate enough enthusiasm and some funds towards reviving the carnival next summer.

Committee member Caroline Foster said this first event would allow them to gauge support in the town for future events after the town's carnival was cancelled at the last minute following the break-up of the previous organisers, the Hadleigh Lions.

Arrangements are now complete and the town's High Street will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm on Friday, November 29.

Many of its shops have agreed to late-night opening for the evening and events will start at 6pm with a torchlight procession of children from the town's two primary schools, led by the Hadleigh Comets majorettes into the Market Square.

Mayor Richard Whiting will switch on the Christmas lights, followed by carol singing by the Hadleigh Choral Society accompanied by two bands – Elmsett Brass Band and the Salvation Army Band.

After the ceremony there will be music for all ages on the High Street among the stalls and street entertainers, with Hadleigh High School's Swing Band at Market Place, a disco by RTTC Disco outside Partridges and at the King's Head at the other end of the High Street, the Elastic Band.

Father Christmas will be waiting for the smaller children outside Barclays Bank and there will be festive food in abundance.