Dudley Council is reminding people that Christmas lights switch on events will take place this weekend, with Father Christmas making a big appearance in Stourbridge on Saturday.

The events, which are organised in association with Merry Hill and Jewson, promise Christmas family fun for all the family.

Christmas fun will come to Stourbridge on Saturday, with children’s rides, choir performances and entertainment taking place on the High Street, followed by an appearance from Mr Grinch and Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, who will switch on the lights at 5pm.

Families can book for children to see Father Christmas at Stourbridge Town Hall’s Wollaston Studio from 11:00am to 3:30pm. There will be story time with Saint Nick, followed by the chance for children to get a photo and goodie bag.

Tickets cost £6 per child with adults going free. They are available at boroughhalls.co.uk or from Stourbridge Town Hall box office.

Stourbridge Town Hall will also host a Christmas vintage and craft fayre from 11am to 4pm. People can enjoy live music, entertainment, old-time dancing, afternoon tea and a selection of vintage sellers, craft stalls and handmade items from small local businesses. 

There will also be entertainment at Ryemarket Square throughout the day, where children are able to meet The Grinch, and there will be an eclectic mix of local guest acts and open mic sessions on an outdoor stage at Coventry Street from 1 to 7pm in association with Plugged Inn.

Sedgley will hold the last of the town switch on events on Sunday (1 December), with local community events and activities taking place throughout the day. Deputy Mayor Pete Lee and local boxing star Kirstie Bavington, will be switching on the lights at 6.30pm.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor at Dudley Council, said: “Due to heavy rain and winds at the weekend we were sadly forced to cancel the Christmas lights switch on events in Dudley and Brierley Hill.

“Fortunately, the weather is looking much more settled this week and we are very much looking forward to bringing communities together to mark the start of Christmas in Stourbridge and Sedgley this weekend.

“There are a number of events taking place at Stourbridge Town Hall over the next few weeks for the Winter Days and Lights events, including a vintage fair and Santa visits this weekend and a Christmas quiz and disco on 14 December.”

People can find out more about events and entertainment at Stourbridge Town Hall at boroughhalls.co.uk.