BLACKHEATH and Oldbury will be full of festive fun this week as the Christmas lights in both towns are switched on.

Santa will be joining Sandwell's Mayor for the Christmas lights event in Blackheath on Saturday which will include more artists and entertainers than ever before.

The fun will begin at 3pm and run until 8pm, with the lights switched on by Mayor, Councillor Linda Horton, at 6pm.

Councillor Barbara Price, Rowley Regis town lead member, said: “The event is fun for the whole family with there more brilliant attractions than ever before.

“There will be something for the whole family, a fun fair for the kids and a Christmas market with charity stalls selling jewellery, toys and other festive gifts, as well as cards for mom and dad.”

The switch-on will include the Rowley Area and St Michael’s bands, the Glee club from Westminster School and the Blackheath Ukulele Group Strummers (BUGS) plus singers and groups from Coneygre Performing Arts.

As well as local artists, there will be street entertainments with traditional Christmas treats, baked potatoes, hot chestnuts and free sweets for the kids provided by Santa.

The official charity for the event is Tree of Light which will once again be run by Shirley Ching with all donations going to Macmillan Cancer Research.

There will be road closures are in operation from 1pm until 9pm and the event is organised by The Blackheath Traders Association and A Better Blackheath Association (ABBA).

On Thursday, November 28, Oldbury children will take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The free event will be between 4pm to 7pm. Children from Tividale Children's Centre and Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy are making lanterns for the parade, which will also feature dhol drummers.

The parade will start at 5.30pm in Birmingham Road and makes its way to Oldbury Civic Square.

Sandwell Mayor Councillor Linda Horton and special guest Santa will switch on the lights at 6pm.

Oldbury town lead member Councillor Steve Trow said: "The Oldbury Christmas lights switch-on will be a fantastic event with a wonderful lantern parade involving local children and young people."