THE magic returns to Worcester this month when Father Christmas arrives in the city for a procession to his grotto in CrownGate Shopping Centre, his home for the festive season.

Children and grown-ups are being invited to join him on Sunday, November 19, at 1pm. Sitting in his horse- drawn carriage, Father Christmas will make his way up the High Street, along The Cross and down into Friary Walk in CrownGate, where he'll be busy in his grotto until Friday, December 22.

The Jazz Ramblers will lead the procession along the High Street and accompany Father Christmas to the Guildhall, where they will pause for a few minutes before continuing along The Cross and down Angel Street to Angel Place.

Here, Santa will stop once more for photos before joining the fun with Classic Hits inside Friary Walk.

The festivities take place at the grotto from 1.30pm until 3pm. The grotto will then be open from 10am-noon and 2-4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, and noon-2pm on Sundays.