WORCESTER is already feeling festive, with the official Christmas light switch on taking place in the city on Thursday.

On Monday, the official Christmas trees were installed at the Cathedral roundabout and New Road roundabout, and throughout the week the lights are being put up across the city.

Here is our guide to the best festive events happening around the city - and all the fun starts from today (Saturday, November 18).

On Thursday at 6pm, Worcester’s Christmas lights will be switched on in front of the Guildhall by Worcester mayor Councillor Steve Mackay and special guest Pudsey Bear.

Lights are set to illuminate the city centre and the St John’s shopping area, and for the first time this year white fairy lights are also being installed in trees along the High Street, creating an extra magical effect.

The event is being hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters Elliott Webb and Malcolm Boyden, with the event raising money for the BBC Children in Need appeal.

The event also signals the start of Christmas late night shopping in Worcester city centre, with many shops staying open until 8pm on Thursdays.

On Thursday, November 30 the four-day Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre will kick off with nearly 200 stalls filling the streets of Worcester from until Sunday December 3.

Now in its 25th year, the event – organised by Worcester City Council – is one of the most successful street fayres of its kind in the Midlands –contributing an estimated £7million to the local economy each year.

For visitor information, go to worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk or visit the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, next door to The Guildhall in Worcester High Street.

From today until January 27 an exhibition entitled ‘Crafted for You’ is taking place at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

On Saturday, December 9 from 11am to 1pm, visitors are invited to attend a festive gathering with drinks and mince pies. A 10 per cent discount will be available in the special exhibition and shop.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm, entry is free.

Today (Saturday, November 18) a Worcester family are opening up their home and spreading festive cheer in memory of a much-loved nan.

Casey and Gareth Alldrett, together with their four children Rio, 10, Roxy, nine, Faye, eight, and Jackson, two, are holding the event at their home in Stallard Road, St Johns, on Saturday to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.

People are invited to turn up and make a donation in memory of Silvia Broughton, who died of lung cancer In 2011, aged 74.

The event will start at 6.30pm.

For more information go to museumsworcestershire.org.uk.