The Christmas lights are already up in the city centre, a month before the switch-on event.

Festive lights are draped across High Street, teasing residents and visitors about the Christmas event planned in November. 

The lights were first spotted on Tuesday, October 15, slightly more than four weeks before the Christmas Light switch-on event planned for  Thursday, November 14. 

This comes weeks after city centre shops, such as Primark and M&S, already lined some of their shelves with Christmas stock. 

READ MORE: The date has been announced for the Winchester Christmas lights switch-on event

Next month, the Christmas lights switch-on will feature live performances, plus a visit from Santa's sleigh.

Winchester BID, which organises the festive evening, has already said that the event will see live performances from primary schools, choirs and dance groups. Local heroes will be chosen to switch on the lights. 

Winchester BID manager Sarah Davis said: "We are delighted to be coordinating the Christmas Lights Switch On again this year.

"A big thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory Solicitors.

"This will be a fun-filled, community event that brings together the city of Winchester.

"It is also the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on local community heroes. On the night, we will be encouraging the public to get involved with the celebrations on social media too, to tag their photos and posts with @WinchesterBID so we can repost and share the fun."