CROWDS packed Halesowen for Saturday’s Christmas lights switch–on – hailed by organisers as so successful a two-day event is planned for next year.

Father Christmas switched on the lights at the culmination of a day of entertainment and a festive market in the town centre.

Entertainment included a fun fair, a giant Big Red Robot, fire eaters and live music during the day from 11am.

Wayne Edwards, chairman of the chamber of trade, which organised the event with support from Dudley Council, said he believed the size of the crowds were bigger than last year’s 43,000.

He said: “It was such a good atmosphere and the town was rammed. It really was tremendous – a fantastic day. Next year we are hoping to extend the event over two days.”

There were long queues of children eager to meet the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Santa on his charity sleigh and dignitaries included the town’s MP James Morris and Dudley’s deputy mayor Mohammed Hanif.

Shell Corner was lit up for the first time on Saturday with 10 sets of solar powered Christmas trees attached to lampposts and Blackheath town centre was also lit up ready for Christmas.

Oldbury’s lights were due to be switched on today, followed by Langley’s on Saturday at 5.15pm and Bristnall’s on Saturday, December 5.