Watford are getting Christmas into full swing as early as tomorrow when four first-team players visit The Hornets Shop at 6.30pm.

Club captain John Eustace, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and striker Fernando Forestieri are among those set to mingle with shoppers at the club’s store, based on Vicarage Road, on Thursday evening.

And after Saturday’s npower Championship home match against Nottingham Forest, the club is extending an open invitation to anyone in the town to join the congregation at a post-match carol concert, set to start at 6pm.

Residents do not need to have attended the football match to join the carol concert. The large metal gates, at the hospital end of the Vicarage Road Stand, will be open from 5pm for free entry.

Watford’s club lounge will be open for refreshments, including mulled wine, in between the conclusion of the Forest match and the start of the carol concert – set to be attended by Gianfranco Zola and his first-team squad.

A bucket collection, in aid of The Peace Hospice, will be made during the carol service.