FAIRFIELD residents have been busy planning a line-up of events to get people in the festive spirit in the lead up to Christmas.

Members of Fairfield Village Community Association, St Mark's Church and Fairfield Village Hall Management Committees have organised Festive Fairfield's Christmas Celebration, with support from the National Lottery's Celebration Fund.

Festive Fairfield will start with an 'Entertainment Extravaganza' on Saturday, December 17, when circus performer 'Wolly', vocalist Jo Higgett and organist Michael Carter will be performing at the village hall.

The event, which starts at 6.30pm, will feature a guest appearance by Father Christmas and will see two families compete in a game of 'Play Your Crackerjack Cards Right'.

Entry costs £3 for adults, £2 for under-16s, or £10 for families, and can be paid on the door.

On Sunday, December 18, from 6.30pm, visitors can enjoy traditional Christmas carols and readings at St Mark's Church.

More festive carols and seasonal songs will be performed at Fairfield Village Hall on Wednesday, December 21 at 7pm. Free mulled wine, soup and mince pies will be available to all that attend.

On Christmas Eve, from 4pm, Bromsgrove children will be telling the story of the Nativity and singing traditional carols at the 'Crib Service' at St Mark's Church.

Christmas Eve communion is set to start at 9pm.

A Christmas Day family service will take place at 10am on December 25, where guests are welcome to open one of their gifts in church and wish neighbours a Merry Christmas.

Residents can welcome in 2017 at a New Year's Eve Party at the village hall, where Kris Krendo, from the Magic Circle, will be performing tricks on stage.

The party will start at 8pm, and will feature a Fairfield Big Fat Quiz of the Year, festive games and a disco, before the celebrations come to a close at 12.30am.

Tickets, priced at £10 per adult or free for under-16s, are available from the village hall shop.