THOUSANDS of people helped bring in the festive period in Halesowen.
The town centre was packed with entertainment for the switching on of the lights on Saturday (November 20).
X Factor legend Chico helped turn the lights on in Halesowen, with the switch on event run in conjunction with Halesowen Business Improvement District (BID).
It also included acts on the stage as well as a fun fair, street entertainers, market stalls, seasonal refreshments and a Christmas trail organised by the Halesowen BID.
Shoppers also enjoyed free parking all day as an “early Christmas present” from the council during the event.
There will also be all day parking at festive lights events in Brierley Hill, Dudley, Kingswinford and Sedgley as well as December 11 and 18.
Councillor Sue Greenaway, deputy Mayor of Dudley, said: "It was great to see the town centre packed with people bringing in the festive season.
“The town centre Christmas lights events signal the start of the build up to Christmas and hopefully traders enjoyed the benefit of more people too."
There will also be Christmas lights events in Coseley on Friday 26 November from 4pm to 6.30pm and Dudley town centre on Saturday 27 November from 12pm to 5pm.
Fun Time Theatre will also be performing again with free shows of Dick Whittington at Top Church on November 27.
Things move to Brierley Hill town centre on Saturday 27 November, 11am to 5pm and come to a close on Sunday 28 November at Sedgley’s Bull Ring from 4pm to 7pm.
These events are organised by Dudley Council with the support of Welcome Back Funding.
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