Festive entertainment, live music and family activities will mark the start of the Christmas countdown across the city.

Wolverhampton is getting ready for Christmas, with dates announced for a series of festive lights switch-on events taking place across the city in November.

The celebrations begin in Wolverhampton city centre on Saturday 21 November, with an afternoon of entertainment in Bell Square and Victoria Street from 3pm to 6.30pm. Visitors can enjoy fairground rides, free face painting and appearances from characters including Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and Elf on the Shelf.

Live performances will come from Big Arena Performing Arts School, The Ronnies, Masti Music, The People’s Show Choir and Callum Doignie from The Voice, with the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Father Christmas joining the festivities for the 6pm switch-on.

Further events will take place in Wednesfield on Thursday 26 November, Bilston on Friday 27 November and Tettenhall on Saturday 28 November. Each location will host its own programme of family entertainment, with the Mayor and Father Christmas helping to switch on the lights.

Wednesfield’s celebrations will run from 4.30pm to 7pm, with the switch-on at 6.30pm. Bilston will host its event at the same time, while Tettenhall’s festivities will run from 5.30pm to 8pm, with the lights switched on at 7pm.

Alongside the switch-on events, Bilston will welcome a Christmas Village on selected dates between 26 November and 6 December, featuring festive stalls, fairground rides and seasonal treats. A free family festive fun day will also take place at Bantock House on Saturday 5 December, with live music and Christmas craft stalls.

The events form part of the city’s wider Christmas programme, with families invited to enjoy the festivities and celebrate the start of the festive season.

For further information, visit the City of Wolverhampton Council website.