CHOIRS, musicians and bands, stallholders, charities and volunteers are needed to help make this year’s Stroud Goodwill Evening one to remember.

One very important vacancy which needs filling for the night on Friday, December 5 is the role of Santa with auditions being held over the next few weeks.

This year’s lantern procession looks likely to be the best yet with three schools so far booked to make lanterns with resident artists Bella Lyster and Lis Parker.

Extra workshops for the public to make them will be held during November in the Old Town Hall.

There will be plenty of shopping opportunities with stores opening late plus markets in the Cornhill, the Sub Rooms, the Shambles and charity stalls.

A grand opening will take place on the Sub Rooms forecourt with fireworks and a raffle.

The café will be open and Santa will be running a grotto in the upstairs bar thanks to Stroud Performing Arts Group.

Anyone who can help in any way or wants further information should email organiser Gerb Gerbrands at markets@fresh-n-local.co.uk or call 01453 758060.

Gerb said: “We really want to rally the community to get behind this fantastic event.It gives choirs, musicians and bands the chance to perform, stallholders can trade and charities are able to promote their work and raise funds.”