THE coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on events and gatherings this year and Christmas light switch-on's are no exception.

Davenham is holding its annual event on Saturday, December 5, and although there will be a special guest to flick the switch, there will be no band, stalls or singing this year, with it being streamed online instead.

Elaine Hamlett, Clerk of Parish Council, said: "As with every other event this year, the tree light switch-on will be a very low key affair.

"We have installed the tree and the lights already and we have added a few extra lights around the shrubs for that extra special Christmas feel.

"Donna Wain, landlady of The Oddfellows, has very kindly accepted our invite to do the official switch-on.

"This will be live streamed on the Davenham Parish Council Facebook page and hopefully the Davenham Life page too.

"Donna has kindly put in a request to see if Father Christmas is available to do the official countdown so if you log onto the page you can join in with the countdown and grab a glimpse of Santa before he heads off to prepare for Christmas Eve."

The Parish Council don't want to encourage large gatherings of people around the Christmas Tree, with a request people watch the event online instead.

Elaine added: "The lights will then remain lit every evening until the New Year so you will be able to go along to see them."

The big switch on will take place on Saturday, December 5 at 6pm by tuning in to the Davenham Parish Council Facebook page.