BASINGSTOKE shopping centre Festival Place has temporarily changed its name for the Christmas period.

After 13 years of operating under the name Festival Place, it will be known as Festive Place from today.

Steve Connolly, centre director, said: “We are thrilled to be embracing Christmas this year with our festive rebrand. By changing our name and hosting a range of events and activities, we are hoping to spread the Christmas cheer this festive season.”

The shopping centre has a host of festive themed activities taking place in the run-up to Christmas, starting with the lights switch-on on November 13, when there will be entertainment from the Military Wives Choir, Jersey Boys tribute act Walk Like a Man and a firework display.

The annual Santa Parade will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 11.30am.

Festive Place will also be hosting the Share your Christmas love fundraiser in aid of Ark Cancer Centre Charity when, for a small donation, customers will receive a Christmas tag to personalise with a festive message to a loved one and hang it on the shopping centre’s Christmas tree.