STOURBRIDGE traders hope to get shoppers into the seasonal spirit nice and early by staging the town's Christmas Festival at the end of next month.

The town will host its annual festive celebration on Saturday November 29.

Dudley Council has teamed up with Stourbridge Chamber of Trade and the Ryemarket shopping centre to co-ordinate the fun-day which will include a Christmas craft market, vintage steam engines, food festival, free funfair rides and live entertainment in Crown Square and Fountain Square.

Father Christmas will also be stopping off at the event which will run from midday until 5pm.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley's cabinet member for environment and culture, said: "There’s lots on offer for families, foodies and shoppers on November 29 as part of the countdown to Christmas. I hope lots of people will turn out and support the town’s traders.”

The bash is one of a host of festive events being organised across the borough in the run-up to Christmas to help boost footfall in the town centres.

Meanwhile St Thomas’ Church in Market Street is staging a Christmas Tree Festival for the first time on Friday November 28 from 11am until 4pm and on Saturday November 29 from 10am until 7pm.

The church is inviting businesses and community groups to donate a decorated Christmas tree which will then be displayed in the church hall.

Trees can be decorated however donors wish and can include adverts or logos to market their products or services.

The deadline for people to sign up to donate a tree is the end of this month.

Admission to the festival will be £2 and all proceeds will go to church funds.

Seasonal refreshments will be on sale throughout the weekend.

Anyone interested can call the parish office on 01384 394185 or email stthomas.stourbridge@btconnect.com