CHRISTMAS starts early in Bromsgrove with the annual lights switch-on events returning to the town centre and Rubery.

Festivities will be kicked off in Bromsgrove with the Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday, November 23 at its usual location outside the Golden Cross pub.

The lights in Rubery will be switched on the following week from New Road on Saturday, November 30.

In Bromsgrove the switch on will once again be hosted by Malcolm Boyden from BBC Hereford and Worcester with Father Christmas and Snow White turning on the lights with other special guests at 5.30pm.

There will be entertainment throughout the event with live music from singers ‘Free to Dream’, Chadsgrove School Choir, Artrix Songstars Showchoir, the Theatre Workshop and Rock Choir as well as the opportunity to meet Snow White, Father Christmas and the Winter Wonderland Birds.

Alongside the main event, for the second year running, the Indie Club and partners will be hosting their street party in Worcester Road with street food, art, cocktails, music and entertainment.

This year the event will be starting at 2pm until 9pm.

There will also be a two-day Christmas Market in Bromsgrove High Street on November 22-23 in line with the switch on from partners Friends of St John’s.

It will run on the Friday from 9am until 4pm and Saturday from 10am until 6.30pm.

There will be craft stalls hosted by local traders providing gifts and decorations, festive food and drinks and entertainment throughout the day.

In Rubery the following week on November 30, the lights will be switched on at 5.30pm at the usual venue on New Road.

Visitors can enjoy music and entertainment from 3.30pm including ‘Free to Dream’, singer Emma Nuule, Beaconside School Choir, Rubery Singers and St James’ School Choir as well as getting another opportunity to meet Father Christmas and the Runaway Tree Fairy.

More details of performance times and vendors are available on the council website or the Facebook event pages.

The Primrose Hospice Tree of Lights will be switched on in a special ceremony outside Asda in Bromsgrove and at the event in Rubery at 5pm.