SANTA is set to arrive in style to turn on the Christmas lights at Swanage Pier.

Father Christmas will trade his sleigh for the sea when he drops in on Friday, December 8 – on board an RNLI lifeboat – as the Lighting Up Lives event returns to the pier.

Over the last two years the display, lighting up the iconic Swanage Pier, has made it possible for hundreds of people to fondly remember loved ones and celebrate those around them.

On December 8, from 5.30pm, for the first night of the illuminations, music will come from Kelp and the Allsort’d Choir, as well as entertainment from Christmas characters.

The lights on Swanage Pier allow visitors to remember lost loved ones and celebrate those around them. Picture: Donna White

Visitors can also enjoy the 1859 Café and Bistro and a browse around the shop.

Ben Adeney, pier chief executive, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of our Christmas Lighting up Lives event and we look forward to welcoming local residents and visitors.

“Bring your family and friends along for a very special evening here on Swanage Pier.

“Remember to dedicate a light to celebrate, commemorate, show thanks, remember loved ones or to wish someone a special Christmas.

Swanage Pier will once again be illuminated for Christmas. Picture: Andy Lyons

“Your light will shine brightly as part of a beautiful display along Swanage Pier and your dedication will feature on our website Shine a Light page.

“A beautiful way to pay tribute to those who mean so much to us.”

For more information, and to dedicate a light, log on to www.swanagepiertrust.com/lighting-up-lives-2023. And to find out more about what it is happening in December, including the pier’s Santa’s Grotto, visit www.swanagepiertrust.com/events.

Santa’s Grotto will also return to Swanage Pier