Fun day for lights switch on

Santa will help switch on a town's Christmas lights. A fun-packed day of activities designed to bring Kidderminster town centre to life is planned for the switch-on by Santa and mayor Councillor Mike Shellie on November 24.

There will be entertainment at The Swan Shopping Centre from 12pm-5pm and the Sunshine Radio roadshow outside the town hall. Children will be invited to take part in a fancy dress parade between 3pm and 4pm and the winners help Father Christmas at the official switch-on.

The events have been organised by Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership and Wyre Forest District Council.

Town centre shops will be open every Sunday in December and late night shopping will be available on December 13 and 20 when some market stalls will also remain open until about 7.30pm.

Thursday nights will also be given a musical note with a Celebration of Christmas Carol Concert set to be stage on December 13 in High Street, outside TJ Hughes.

People are being invited to gather from 5.30pm for the singing at 6pm.

On December 20 local choirs will be leading Christmas carols at the same location starting at 5.30pm.

A Tree of Light Service for the Kemp Hospice is planned at the Swan Centre on December 2.

Youngsters stuck for a gift idea for someone special are also being invited to take part in a creative workshop to be held at Kidderminster Library on December 22.

There will be two sessions between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm costing £4 which can be booked by calling 01562 732928.

Councillor John Campion, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: "By working with partners we are delighted to be able to have a full line-up of events in the run-up to Christmas.

"We hope that it will help get residents and visitors in the festive mood and give them a happy start to Christmas for everyone in the Wyre Forest district."