Biggest event yet for switch-on

Thousands are expected to descend on Stourbridge for the town's Christmas lights switch-on this year – with organisers promising the biggest event yet.

Both High Street and Market Street will be closed to traffic on December 1 for a bumper Christmas market to be set up along the roads.

Organisers say this will free up pedestrian areas, such as those near the Ryemarket, town clock and Foster Street for entertainment.

The idea was first tried out at the town's inaugural Harvest Festival in September which proved to be a major success, attracting visitors from across the region.

Among the entertainment will be children's rides, street shows and the Beacon Radio Roadshow.

The roads will be closed from 8am to 5pm on the day with stalls starting to set up immediately after the closure.

This year's event has been given a science fiction theme and famous characters from various TV shows and films will be seen walking around the town centre.

There will also be a memorabilia fair held in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre during the day.

Events will culminate at 4.45pm when the town's Christmas lights are turned on by Titan – an 8ft robot who talks, sings, dances and interacts with the crowd.

Titan will also be performing at various parts of the town centre during the day to meet with youngsters and science fiction fans.

Stalls set up around the town will feature a wide variety of goods including crafts and food. Others will offer unique gifts for Christmas presents.

Access to the town's car parks will not be affected by the closure of the roads with routes to the Ryemarket and Bell Street multi-storeys kept open throughout.

Spaces are also available at the car park in Birmingham Street.

Shops are being asked to ensure there are no deliveries or collections scheduled while the road closures are in place.

Stores where these services are needed are being asked to contact town centre management so alternative measures can be made.

Town centre manager Matt Caddick said it would be one of the town's largest events yet.

"We are expecting the attractions to draw in thousands of additional visitors to the town centre," he said.

"We want this to be a special and successful day for Stourbridge."