The countdown to Christmas officially begins with "Christmas in Downend" on Friday... and what better way to usher in the festive season than by listening to one of our favourite singers in an exclusive live performance?

ANGE HARDY, who performed a brilliant gig at Downend Folk Club in June, will be representing us at the annual event, which takes place right in the centre of Downend. Somerset-based Ange will be closing the show, stepping on stage at around 7.15pm for a 40-minute set.

All the fun gets underway at 4pm, and there will be a Santa's grotto, performances from locals schools and the highly-rated Cleeve Singers, and the switch-on of Downend's Christmas Lights, for which we are promised a yet-to-be-revealed top celebrity!

Ange will also be selling her CDs if you're short of a high-quality stocking filler, while we'll have fliers to hand out and free pin-badges and car-stickers for those that want them. You'll also be able to buy tickets for December's Jim Moray concert.

So there really is something for all the family! Come along and join in the fun!

For all the information, please visit www.downendbromleyheath.org.