Thousands are expected to flock to Rickmansworth High Street tonight for the annual high street Christmas celebrations.

The Rickmansworth Christmas Evening will kick off at 5pm and the illumination and lantern parade will leave the Marks and Spencer’s car park in the High Street at 5.40pm.

The parade will finish by the stage outside the Watersmeet.

Local schools, dance groups and drama clubs will all be demonstrating their talents on the Rising Star Stage, which will have acts until 9pm and is being hosted by Heart radio. 

Organisers say there will be more than 40 stalls in the High Street during the annual event, which was formerly known as Starlight, and say the stalls "will be tempting you with everything from pickles, Paella and fudge to skin-care, jewellery and gifts".

There will also be entertainment from Punch and Judy and Morris Dancers, as well as a Santa’s Grotto.