Scarborough is preparing for three days of festive fun as Scarborough Sparkle returns, with the Open Air Theatre to be transformed as part of proceedings.

Set to take place from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, Scarborough Sparkle will see the Open Air Theatre turn into "an enchanting Christmas wonderland."

The event, organised by North Yorkshire Council, will kick off with a lantern parade in Peasholm Park at 5.30pm on the Friday.

The Open Air Theatre will host more than 50 stalls selling gifts, hot food, and drinks over the three days.

The Tipi Venue will provide a warm space for refreshments, and This is the Coast will take over the stage with performances from local choirs.

A snow machine, Christmas tree, and Santa sleigh will feature at the Tipi Venue, while the Grinch and characters from Frozen will make an appearance too.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, Councillor Simon Myers, said: "Scarborough Sparkle has become a highlight of the town’s events calendar, adding to its status as Yorkshire’s most popular seaside destination, even in the winter months.

"Our aim is to involve the local communities, particularly in putting together the lantern parade.

"The stalls and traders are all independent businesses, so we are encouraging people to shop local this Christmas to help the economy thrive.

"The weekend offers something for all ages and is sure to be a great atmosphere.

"There’s no better venue than the picturesque park and renowned Open Air Theatre, which will be abuzz with the festive spirit."

Also featured this year will be the fun fair of John Lee and Melanie O'Brien, which will include a Ferris wheel, bungee trampolines, and even monster trucks from Czechoslovakia.

Mr O'Brien said: "Being part of huge events such as Scarborough Sparkle is very rewarding when you see the joy on people’s faces.

"We have new rides, stalls, and characters to entice and entertain the crowds over the three days.

"There is already a buzz in the community as we approach it.

"It’s a mammoth effort from those involved as we start setting up on the Wednesday just to make sure everything is ready in time.

"Events like this are all about welcoming locals as well as those from further afield and putting a smile on the faces of everybody who comes."

The Peasholm Park lantern parade on Friday will be staged by Animated Objects, with the help of 26 community groups across the town.

The artistic director of Animated Objects, Lee Threadgold, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to extend the participation for this year’s lantern parade to include more groups from across the town in this ever-popular event as it grows from year to year.

"There’s an abundance of creativity and fantastic community work going on across Scarborough, and it’s great to be able to celebrate this as part of the Scarborough Sparkle weekend.

"We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our workshop sessions over the last few months to make this one of the most colourful parades yet."

The chair of North Yorkshire Council’s Scarborough and Whitby area committee, Councillor Liz Colling, who sits on the Scarborough Town Board, contributed £1,000 from her locality budget towards the lantern parade.

She said: "I'm pleased that my budget has contributed towards the parade which has been a real community effort.

"I’d like to thank all the volunteers, schools, and groups who have helped to create the lanterns.

"It marks the opening of such a major event in Scarborough, bringing people from far and wide to the town outside of the peak tourist season.

"I can’t wait for the weekend celebrations to get underway."

Scarborough Sparkle will run on Friday, from 5pm to 9pm, on Saturday, from 11am to 8pm, and on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

A free bus will operate a return service on Saturday and Sunday from Eastfield, passing through Crossgates, Falsgrave, and Scarborough town centre, before arriving at Peasholm Park.

For more information, please visit the Discover Yorkshire Coast website at www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/event/scarborough-sparkle/216630101/