CHRISTMAS may still be three months away, but plans for Huddersfield’s festivities are already in full swing.

The Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership plans to recruit performers to add an extra bit of magic to the late-night shopping experience in the run-up to Christmas.

The group is on the lookout for a range of performers to put their names forward to entertain the crowds on Thursday evenings and daytime on Saturdays and Sundays.

Traditionally, local brass bands and choirs help bring the festive spirit alive in the town at Christmas time.

But this year the Partnership is looking for other artists, such as street performers, to get involved to add more variety.

Their acts will follow the launch of the shopping spree with the switch-on of the Christmas lights on Thursday, November 15, and the spectacular Festival of Light, featuring French performance group Pasticiens Volants with their giant inflatables, the night after.

Julia Lilof, assistant town centre manager, said: “Anybody who thinks they can help the town and shoppers feel more festive this Christmas will be really welcome.

“We still want to encourage the brass bands and choirs to take part as they are very festive, but it would be nice to get more of a mix of performers this year.’’

Entertainers will get the chance to be included in this year’s Christmas Guide, which will be available from businesses in the town, and they will also be listed on the Partnership’s website.

Performers wanting to take part will also be helped to get a free collection licence, which they will need in order to collect cash for themselves or a charity.

The Partnership is also running a best- dressed window competition, which will be judged by Kirklees Mayor Clr Jean Calvert.

In addition to late-night shopping there will be plenty of festive events to ensure that people have a magical Christmas.

The Piazza’s popular ice rink, which attracted thousands of skaters last winter, is back again this year and will run until Christmas Eve.

There will also be a festive Continental Market.

Town centre manager Cathy Burger said: “Christmas in Huddersfield is set to be better than ever.

“Shopping during the run-up to Christmas can be quite a stressful business.

“We hope that by having plenty going on in the town the task will become much more pleasurable and people will be encouraged to come to Huddersfield to shop.”

Performers wanting to take part in this year’s festivities and be included in the Huddersfield Guide to Christmas should contact the Partnership on 01484 487933 or email htcpl@kirklees.gov.uk by Monday, October 8.