Worcester is gearing up for its grand Christmas lights switch on with two very special guests.

Festivities will officially commence on Saturday, November 25 at 6pm, when the lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Louis Stephen, and Santa Claus at Cathedral Square, with assisting members from Swan Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime.

Arrangements have been made for a fun-filled family evening, scheduled to start at 4pm and winding down at 7pm.

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The evening promises a host of entertainment for attendees of all ages.

The Mayor expressed his excitement about the event, saying: "Christmas is well on its way and I’m looking forward to switching on the Christmas lights to officially launch the festive season here in Worcester."

A Starlight lantern parade, including four Nutcracker-themed creations from artist Catt Standen, is set to march from The Hive at 4pm, heading towards Cathedral Square, the switch-on location.

Performances will be hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters Elliot Webb and Kate Justice from 4pm to 7pm.

The lineup consists of Poppy WS, Mike Skilbeck, and The Voice UK semi-finalist Jake of Diamonds.

The i-Sing Choir will also sing a medley of Christmas tunes like Winter Wonderland, Holy Night and Step into Christmas.

The switch-on will illuminate approximately 760,000 LED lights of varied installation styles across the city, arranged on rubber cables stretching more than seven kilometres, which would be enough to circle a standard cricket pitch about 15 times.

Decorations also include the city's vast selection of traditional Christmas trees, including two 14 foot Noway Spruces outside the Guildhall and a 12 foot Nordman Fir in Gheluvelt Park.

The two largest are the 30 foot Norway Spruce in Cathedral Square and the 36 foot Norway Spruce in New Road on the St John’s roundabout.