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A VIP is due to arrive in St Peter Port later today, with an important job to do during a brief stop off in Guernsey.
Father Christmas, accompanied by his Chief Elf and a host of other guests, will be in town later to turn on the festive lights and to start the countdown to the big day itself.
He has been to Guernsey every year to turn the Christmas lights on for decades, and said he enjoys seeing the children who used to give him letters now bringing their children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren to see him.
Today's visit has been supported by organisations including the Young Business Group and Sure.
There will be some changes to previous years though, with the main event taking place in Market Square rather than Church Square for the first time.
Pictured: Market Square is hosting the Christmas lights switch on this year.
The entertainment will start in Market Square from 15:30 with Richard Harding and Rob Moore helping the crowd count down to the VIP's arrival. The School of Popular Music will be playing from 16:15 to 16:45 before the lights are switched on.
That job will be down to Father Christmas, who will arrive at the Model Yacht Pond at 15:55 along with his Chief Elf. They will then start the annual parade into town, following the new route with the Boys Brigade Marching Band and the Rebellion All Stars cheerleaders joining Santa and his fairy tale friends.
The parade is due to reach Market Square by 16:50 with Father Christmas then going up to the Market Square balcony to say hello to everyone. He will close the afternoon at 17:00 by switching on the Christmas lights from Market Square.
Father Christmas sent a message ahead of his flying visit, to all the good boys and girls in Guernsey.
“Looking forward to seeing all my favourite islanders, but boys and girls, please don’t forget to write your address on the back of your letter so that I can reply! Ho Ho ho!”
Anyone wanting to give Father Christmas their letter can hand them directly to him or to one of his helpers, or The Young Business Group have set up a special post box on the porch outside Sure’s shop on the High Street, which will be there until 10 December with a guaranteed delivery to the North Pole before the 24 December.
“The Christmas lights parade with Father Christmas is a local tradition that is the perfect way to mark the start of the festive season,” said Alistair Beak, Sure's Chief Marketing Officer in Guernsey.
“Sure is passionate about being part of island life and supporting our community events which is why we love to sponsor the annual parade. We’re especially excited about supporting Father Christmas’ visit to the island and helping out with his very important job of switching on the lights! We know how busy he is at this time of year.”
Vice-President of YBG Vikki Freeman, who helps organise the event said: 'We have been very busy arranging this year's Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade and we’re thrilled that Sure continues to support the cause and the switching on of the lights.
“We can’t wait to welcome Father Christmas and his Chief Elf again this year. We really love to see all the island’s families there to support us and join in with the festive spirit. This is one of the most memorable fixtures in the Christmas calendar and there is always a magical atmosphere."
Pictured top: Father Christmas turning the lights on in 2017.
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