TELEVISION and radio star Terry Molloy will make a festive visit to Beccles later this month as he switches on the Christmas lights.Mr Molloy, who has played Mike Tucker in the famous BBC Radio Four soap since 1973, is also famous for his role as the mad scientist Davros in Doctor Who.

TELEVISION and radio star Terry Molloy will make a festive visit to Beccles later this month as he switches on the Christmas lights.

Mr Molloy, who has played Mike Tucker in the famous BBC Radio Four soap since 1973, is also famous for his role as the mad scientist Davros in Doctor Who.

He will be starting off the Christmas season in Beccles by lighting up the town on Friday, November 28, one of the biggest occasions on the town's calendar, which will be accompanied by a late night shopping event.

After the switch-on at 6pm, Mr Molloy will be heading to Blyburgate Hall, where he will meet fans and sign autographs at a ticket only event. Tickets are free, and are available from Kulture Shock in Blyburgate, but they are limited, so it is important to claim yours early.

The shops in the main area of town, plus many others in the surrounding area, including Blyburgate, Hungate and Smallgate, will be open until late, and Exchange Square will be packed with stalls selling seasonal gifts, novelties and decorations.

The evening's musical entertainment will begin with the Lowestoft Signing Choir and the Loddon Brass Band.

In closed off areas in Hungate, Smallgate and Blyburgate there will be various other acts including the Suffolk Samba Band, the Christian Youth Fellowship, and the Salvation Army.

Santa will be making an appearance at his grotto, which will be situated among the many stalls at St Michael's Church, and Santa will also be out in the streets, courtesy of The Beccles Lions.

Hungate Church will be holding its annual Christmas Tree Festival, which will have its own switch-on at 6.15pm, and Stocks Fun Fair Rides will also be bringing along some of their most popular rides to entertain visitors of all ages.

Food on offer will include mince pies, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and Twyford's famous festive baguette, and Beccles Library will be open until 7.30pm with hot drinks and seasonal gifts on sale.

At 6.30pm acclaimed historian Alison Weir will be presenting her talk on Christmas in the Court of King Henry VIII at The Waveney Centre, to celebrate the Centre's 40th anniversary.

Tickets are available from the Waveney Centre and cost £2, with all proceeds going to the centre. After the talk, at around 7.15pm, Alison will be on hand to meet fans and sign books, and Cantocordia will be performing 12th century music in full historical costume.

Meanwhile Beach Radio will be hosting a special roadshow on the main stage.

Parking will be free in Waveney District Council car parks from 3.30pm, with diversions in Blyburgate beginning at 5.50pm.

The organisers would like to thank all their sponsors along with all the individuals and voluntary organisations who give up their time freely and willingly.

For any further information on the event, telephone Christine Pinsent on 01502 717417 or Kate Lee on 01502 711174, or visit www.beccleschristmas.co.uk.