STOURBRIDGE will be full of festive fun and seasonal shopping when the town hosts its Christmas lights switch-on.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, will officially be turning on the illuminations at 5pm on Saturday, December 5, after a day of entertainment and activities in the town centre.

As well as the family fun activities which will be running in High Street, Market Street, Coventry Street, Duke Street, Crown Square and the Ryemarket from 11am, the town’s Christmas market will take place from 9am to 5pm where there will be a funfair, steam engines, a miniature steam train and Father Christmas.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “This event offers a variety of traditional family festive fun for everyone to enjoy.

“Dudley Council, Stourbridge Chamber of Trade and local businesses have put in a lot of commitment and effort to make this year’s Christmas shopping experience the best ever.”

Dudley Council are running the event in conjunction with Stourbridge Chamber of Trade and the Ryemarket Shopping Centre.

David Harcourt, Chamber of Trade chairman, said: “We continue to build on last year’s success and there will more stalls and more activities at this event.

“We are particularly looking forward to the train ride up and down Coventry Street which will be a great attraction for the children and maybe even some of the adults to.

“There will be lots of music and different food to eat and sample so it will be a great day out for the family. St Thomas’ Church is also having a special Christmas tree event to coincide with our festival.”

Road closures will be in place from 6am until 8pm on the day in Coventry Street, High Street, Duke Street and Market Street (from the junction of Bell Street/Talbot Street to High Street).