DETAILS of this year's Christmas light switch-on events in Bromsgrove, Rubery, Alvechurch, Catshill, Barnt Green and Hagley have been revealed.

Bromsgrove District Council is organising the annual event outside the Golden Cross Pub on Saturday, November 18, followed by Rubery's switch-on in New Road on November 24.

The high street event will be hosted by Malcolm Boyden from BBC Hereford and Worcester and Pudsey Bear, who will be switching on the lights alongside other special guests at 5.30pm.

Bobby's Girls and Artrix's Songstars Show Choir are booked to provide live music on the night, while a 10ft snowman and Father Christmas will be greeting visiting children.

The following week, Issi Young and local choirs will be joining Bobby's Girls on stage in Rubery, with Santa and his snowman also stopping by, ahead of the lights switch-on at 5.30pm.

New to both events this year is a juggling, mystic ball and glow show.

The Primrose Hospice Tree of Lights will also be switched on in a ceremony at 5pm, with entertainment kicking off at 3.30pm in both areas. The tree in Bromsgrove is located outside Asda.

A two-day Christmas market is set to be held in the town's high street on November 17 and 18, in partnership with Friends of St Johns, featuring craft stalls from local traders, selling gifts, decorations and festive food and drink.

Hagley's lights switch-on will take place in Hagley village centre, including singing from Hagley Primary School, music from Blackwell Concert Band and 'An Unexpected Christmas' performance from Hagley Free Church.

Santa and his sleigh will arrive at 5.30pm, ready for the lights switch-on at 7pm.

Catshill's first ever lights switch-on event will take place on November 25 from 3.30pm outside the village hall.Visitors can meet Santa, listen to festive songs from the Orchestra of St John and take selfies with a snowman.

Alvechurch's lights will be turned on by BBC's Joanne Malin on December 1 at 5pm, with carols around the tree, a best-dressed window competition and songs from Alvechurch Community Choir.

Barnt Green will also host its own lights switch-on outisde Millennium Park from 3.30pm to 6pm on December 2, with festive and drink and more live music.

Bromsgrove District Councillor Karen May, whose portfolio covers economic development, said: “We have worked with parish councils, partners and charities across the district to put all the festive events under the Better Bromsgrove umbrella.

“As you can see it really is a bumper festive bonanza and there’s no better place to be than Bromsgrove District this Christmas."

For more information contact the council's events team on 01527 534030 or email events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.