TENS of thousands of revellers packed out Halesowen and Cradley Heath town centres this weekend to celebrate the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

The historic bells of St John the Baptist Church rang out as the lights were switched on in Halesowen and Santa arrived by way of the Rotary Club's popular sleigh.

Organisers in Halesowen estimated the number of people in the town on Saturday exceeded last year's record attendance of 40,000.

The Halesowen Chamber of Trade chairman Wayne Edwards was overjoyed with the response of the crowds.

He said: "Halesowen might be a small town but we put on a big event on Saturday and people loved it.

"The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant and though we have not got the official figures the numbers were up on the 40,000 people who came last year.

"We have proved that if you put the effort in then the people of Halesowen will support these types of events so we will be doing more next year."

And Mr Edwards was delighted the event was a boost for the town centre's economy.

He said: "Traders in the town were reporting that takings were up on Saturday which was great news, hopefully that will mean more shops will contribute to the costs next year."

Despite the success of the event the organisers fell short of the £15,000 needed to cover the costs after raising £12,000.

Mr Edwards said: "We are still hoping to get some more donations and we certainly couldn't have done this without the help of Dudley Council and our main sponsors Sandvik, CSCM IT Solutions, Street Bike, Nicklins, Clarity Education, Full Range Print Solutions, Less4ink, Chapmans Electrical and Asda."

Other attractions on the day included fire eaters, angle grinders, stilt walkers and a nine foot Christmas Party Robot as well as Olaf the enchanted snowman from Disney's film Frozen.

In Cradley Heath on Saturday afternoon over 4,000 people enjoyed the festivities as the town's light's were switched on.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor John Tipper praised the event.

He said: "It's been great to watch this event grow as it has, and to see all sorts of people out enjoying themselves

"I'd like to thank all the council officers and volunteers that made the day what it was."

He added: "In good times and in bad Cradley Heath has always had a strong community spirit and this shows its still alive and kicking."

On Saturday Sandwell's Mayor will be joined by Santa in a fun-filled family Christmas lights switch-on in Blackheath.

Mayor Councillor Derek Rowley will officially switch the lights on in Blackheath town centreT at 6pm.

Lots of family fun is lined up during the day with entertainers, a funfair and stalls selling festive gifts from 3-7pm.

Blackheath ukulele group Strummers, Rowley Area Band, Rowley Hall Children’s Choir and St Michael’s Brass Band will entertain the crowds as well as performances from Coneygre Performing Arts.

Councillor Barbara Price, Rowley Regis town lead member, said: “I hope lots of people will come along and get into the festive spirit as well as support traders at our lights switch-on."  

Then next Saturday Old Hill's Christmas lights will be switched on in front of another bumper crowd.

The fun centres around Holy Trinity Church which will be open from 3.30pm.

Former councillor Liz Bowler, who is helping organise the event, said: "We will have all the usual festive refreshments, the Salvation Army Band, children’s activities, face painting and several craft stalls laid on, both in the church hall and outside in the grounds.

"The event is building year on year and we hope to see good crowds once again this year and the lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Rev Elvis and Santa, who will arrive in the Rotary sleigh."