CHRISTMAS in Shanklin's Old Village is under way, with plenty going on in the run up to its festive festival.

This year, at a variety of venues, indoor and outdoors, there will be plenty for families and young children to enjoy.

Entertainment will be provided by the Shamrock Dancers, Men of Wight, the Oyster Girls, the Wight Belles and a magic show performed by Luke Lamont, on Saturday, December 2.

Shanklin Town Brass Band will fill the chilly air with the heart-warming sound of Christmas carols.

The festival will also have face painting and lots of local craft and business stalls dotted all around the Old Village.

Charities such as the Salvation Army, Help for Heroes, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat will be there to talk about the important work they do.

In the run up to the festival, there is plenty going on in the Old Village, with a series of competitions for youngsters.

They include a Name the Teddy challenge, guess the number of sweets in the jar and the weight of a Christmas cake, as well as a colouring competition and treasure hunt, both free to enter.

A grand raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, is being run by The Crab Inn, wit the draw taking place on the day of the festival.

All shops have been given a holly wreath to spruce up the Old Village.

Venues for the festival will include Shanklin Theatre, the town's community library and Holliers Hotel.

The event will start at 11am and run through to 11pm.

(BLOB) Alternative Christmas event, Santa Saturday, funded by Shanklin Town Council and run by Shanklin Carnival Committee and Shanklin Rotary Club, will take place in the town on December 9.