Preparations for a glowing festival celebrating Harwich’s involvement in the sailing of the Mayflower are under way.

The Illuminate Festival is returning for the third year running on November 23.

A procession of lights will lead the way from Ha’Penny Pier down to Harwich Green.

It starts at 6pm and will include a giant puppet lantern of Christopher Jones, the Mayflower’s captain.

Performers from Dovercourt Theatre Group will also be there in period costume. On the Green, community choir Harwich Sing will perform four songs on a theme of light and a poem will be read.

Mick Skeels, Tendring councillor responsible for leisure and tourism, said this year’s Illuminate Festival is stepping up from last year. He added:“Harwich has the most personal relationship with the Mayflower, being home to the vessel and its captain, and it is great to celebrate this with the Illuminate Festival.”