Watch: Panto stars and delighted families at Wolverhampton Christmas lights switch on show
Panto stars joined thousands of families at the Wolverhampton Christmas lights switch on show.
Here are a selection of 27 pictures taken by the Express & Star at the Wolverhampton Christmas lights event which is among the biggest as the Black Country celebrated the switch on weekend. Among the entertainers were Grand Theatre Sleeping Beauty panto stars Ian Adams and Tam Ryan who helped to switch on the festive lights along with Father Christmas and Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Craig Collingswood in Queen's Square.
Other shows on Saturday included at Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Stourbridge and Stafford.
Attractions at the Wolverhampton city centre affair included Harry Jones funfair, a ferris wheel, a giant snow globe, face painting, food and drink, children’s Disney character Stich of Lilo & Stich fame and performances by Bilston Operatic Company and jazz singer Andrew Bourn.
Show host Dicky Dodd was on hand to launch the countdown for the lights to go up at 6pm as the excitement built up.
"It was a great turn out. The city centre switch on show marks the start of the countdown to Christmas Day and it's great to see so many families come out to enjoy it. They took part in the games on stage for a chance to win the many tickets on offer for shows and other events.
"We had members of the panto cast come from the Grand Theatre which was marvellous and children's character Stich who took part in the stage show which was wonderful.
"The singer Andrew Bourn did all the Christmas songs and Bilston Operatic Society was phenomenal. It just warms my heart to see the people of the city come together.
"Wolverhampton people stick together.
"A lot of hard work goes into putting on the show, particularly by the council staff who start planning it many months in advance.
"My job is to simply turn up and add some sparkle to the night," Dicky says.
Prizes won on the evening included tickets to the Grand's Sleeping Beauty show, bowling alley Super Bowl UK in the Mander Centre, Wolverhampton Racecourse, other show tickets plus plenty of chocolates for the youngsters.
The switch on shows across the city were being sponsored by health insurer Paycare based in George Street which has pledged to sponsor the events in 2026.
There will be other shows in Wednesfield High Street on Thursday from 4.30pm-7pm, lights switch-on 6.30pm and in Tettenhall in Upper Green on Friday from 4.30pm-7pm, lights switch-on 6.30pm.
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