Mercury winners The XX light up Putney

The XX met when they were students at Putney's Elliott School, dubbed 'the real school of rock' by the Independent newspaper.

The band will turn on the lights at 6pm as part of several hours' of Christmas festivities.

A special Christmas market will be held between 3pm and 7.45pm in Church Square off Putney High Street (by the Odeon) and many shops will be staying open until around 8pm or later.

This is the third year the event has been held, with almost 2000 people turning up last year.  This year's event promises to be even better with a 33ft Christmas tree, live music, mulled wine, food and stalls selling a wide range of items including toys, food, stained glass, original art, flowers and unique Christmas gifts.

Children's entertainment will include a bouncy castle, an old-fashioned carousel, a lantern-making craft workshop and a lantern procession through the town.

The day's programme highlights include:

  3pm - the market opens

  4pm - Christmas choirs from Hotham, St Mary's, Hurlingham and Bandlehow schools begin.

  5.30pm lantern processions starts from Putney Library through Putney High Street and the Exchange to Church Square

  6pm - Christmas tree and High Street lights switch-on, featuring The XX.

  6.15pm - Live  band; 'fiN'

  7.45pm - Market and music draws to a close

  8pm or later - High Street shops close

The event has been organised by the Putney Partnership and Wandsworth Council with additonal sponsorship provided by key sponsors Barratt Homes and Chesterton Humberts, major sponsors Russell-Cooke Solicitors, and further sponsors Direct Traffic Social Media, Putney Society, Rotary Club of Putney and Scotts surveyors.

For further information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/putney.

ENDS

The council's website contains all current and past press releases dating back to February 2000