Old Tom Donuts Man to switch on Dudley’s Christmas Lights this weekend

This year’s lights will be switched on by Old Tom Donuts Man, a well-known local figure who has traded in Dudley for many years. He was selected following a community vote and is widely recognised both in person and online, where he has built a following of more than 28,000 TikTok users.

What to expect on the day

• The event will include:
• Over 50+ market and gift stalls
• Food vendors
• Santa’s Grotto at Mary Stevens Hospice and children’s activities
• Children's funfair
• Live music, choirs and roaming performers
• Romanian Winter Festival performances
• Children in Need charity raffle, supported by local groups and businesses

Attendance is free, and the event is expected to draw visitors from across the borough and neighbouring towns.

Organisers and Supporting Partners

• The 2026 Christmas Market and Light Switch-On is being delivered with the support of:
• Dudley Town Centre Partnership – formed in 2024 by Save the High Street in collaboration with Dudley retailers to strengthen local trade and high-street engagement
• Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
• Provision House
• Specsavers Dudley
• Need a Hair Makeover® Salon & Academy
• BT Media & Events
• LifeDev
• E3C Creative
• John Emms

These organisations have contributed to planning, logistics, promotion, and the delivery of activities throughout the day.

Community recognition

Old Tom Donuts Man’s involvement highlights the town’s recognition of local traders who contribute to the everyday character of Dudley. He has over 28k followers on instagram and hes hoping to reach 30k by christmas.

His selection follows similar community-led acknowledgements in recent years, reflecting ongoing efforts to celebrate familiar faces connected to the high street.

So join us in Dudley on December 6, when the whole High Street comes alive.