The eagerly-awaited event, on Thursday 16 November, marks the beginning of several events being hosted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich in the run up to Christmas.

What's on

Running between 4pm to 7pm, Eltham Lights Up will include an exciting range of music on stage in Passey Place and in the town centre including colourful galactic and sci-fi characters and musicians.

Before the main event, there will be live music performances from 4pm to 6pm and the South East London Meccano Society will be displaying some of their Meccano models at the Eltham Centre.

Local school children and community groups will be taking part in the lantern parade at 6pm which this year is themed around 'Lighting up the night sky', which will include lanterns based around moons, galaxies and planets.

There will be street performers, live music and vintage film shows inside a cinema van plus a spectacular pyrotechnic display.

Eltham Police Station on Well Hall Road will be holding an open day from 4pm to 7pm so that local families can meet police dogs and horses.

Lantern workshops

In preparation for Eltham Lights Up, lantern workshops for children will take place on the following dates, times and locations:

• Saturday 4 November at The Eltham Centre
• Saturday 11 November at St Mary's Community Centre.

'Help us show what Eltham has to offer'

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative Industries and Community Well-Being, said: "The recently improved Eltham High Street is all set to host the 18th year of Eltham Lights Up. Thousands of people turn out every year and get into the Christmas feeling whilst supporting their local shops.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved to help us show what Eltham has to offer and bring all friends and family to experience this magical event."