EXCITEMENT is building for the switch on of Droitwich Christmas Lights, which takes place on Saturday, November 28 at 4.30pm.

The lights are already up in the town and the Christmas Trees are being installed in the next few days.

Mark Keld, of Droitwich Spa Town Council, is looking forward to a great event for the town.

"The event is always popular with residents, who turn out in large numbers to watch the switching on of the lights," she said.

"However it is more than just the lights switch on, with activities going on throughout the day and into the evening.

"The success of the event is due to the local community groups who take part, making it something unique to Droitwich."

Santa’s Grotto will be in St. Richard’s House and is run by Droitwich Lions, with money raised being donated to local children’s charities. The grotto will be accompanied by children’s activities, organised by Little Learner’s nursery.

Much of the entertainment during the day is being provided by local performers and choirs.

Children from Westacre School are singing in Saltbarrow Market at 11.30am followed by Droitwich Rock Choir. The Salvation Army Band will be playing Christmas carols in the shopping centre at 1.30pm and again in Saltbarrow Market at 2.30pm.

The choirs from St. Richard’s Hospice and Norbury Theatre will be entertaining the crowds outside St. Richard’s House, ahead of the main switch on by Councillor Graham Beale, Mayor of Droitwich.

During the afternoon, Macmillan Cancer Care in conjunction with Dignity Funeral Directors, will launching balloons at 3.30pm in Saltbarrow Market.

Donations for balloons can be made at the Macmillan stall on the Farmers’ Market during the day.

St. Andrews Church is open for its Christmas Tree Festival, with the tree lights being switched on at 4pm.

There will be more than 20 trees on display donated by local groups and charities including the WI, Flower Club, U3A, Droitwich Foodbank, Girl Guides and St. Peter’s School.

The church will also host a festive concert at 5.15pm featuring Droitwich Community Choir and Lighthouse Puppets.

“The Lights Switch On event seems to grow each year," Mr Keld added. “As one of the organisers, I find it very rewarding that so many of our local community groups want to take part and make this event so special for the town”.

For further information visit visitdroitwichspa.com or pick up a programme.