Monmouth's Christmas procession will leave the old Monnow Bridge at 6pm, and will walk to Agincourt Square on 12th December.

It is hoped that the procession will then go down Agincourt Street, through Beaufort Court back to the front of the Shire Hall, subject to weather conditions and police approval.

A Road Closure Order has been obtained from 6-8pm and will involve closure of Blestium Street (after car park entrance/exit) to and including Monnow Street, Agincourt Square, Agincourt Street, and also by implication Priory Street, St Johns' Street, Glendower Street and Castle Hill, throughout this time.

Many shops will be open on the evening, and it is hoped that there will also be market stalls present.

In the absence of an official switch-on, due to technical difficulties, Monmouth's Christmas lights will all be on by 1st December. Monmouth Town Council are aiming to have Christmas trees placed at the Shire Hall and Oldway centre this Sunday (24th November).

• Chepstow's christmas light switch-on will be held on 30th November and promises to be an evening of entertainment for all.

four town schools will perform at the evening, along with Chepstow Musical Youth Theatre, Chepstow Amateur Operatic Society, Chepstow Rock Choir, Wyedean Gospel and Community Big Band and Chepstow Town Band.

The festivities will continue between 2pm and 6.30pm.

The towns lights will be switched on between 5.50pm and 6.10pm, followed by the arrival of Father Christmas.

• The Christmas lights are being switched on in Caldicot on Friday 29th November at 6pm.

• There will also be an open air community carol service in Magor Square on Friday 6th December.

The event, sponsored by Magor with Undy Community Council, starts at 6pm.

Carols will be led by the Severn Tunnel Silver Band and refreshments will be available at the Magor Baptist Church.

• Monmouthshire County Council is also offering three dates of free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

Parking will be free in Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny on Saturday 30th November, Saturday, 7th December and Saturday 14th December.

This idea is a repeat of previous successful free parking initiatives which gave a welcome boost to local shops and helped remind people of the county's fantastic range of independent retailers.