A MASSIVE drive to light up Worcester for Christmas has been launched in an effort to turn around the "embarrassing" festive displays of previous years - but it won't happen until 2005.

The campaign, spearheaded by Classic Gold radio station boss Muff Murfin, aims to raise enough money to "dazzle" shoppers.

The Worcester music maestro has been extremely vocal about the city's lights in the past.

"I've done a lot of moaning about the lights, which were called embarrassing last year. Now I think it is time to do something about it," he said.

"We want to encourage as many people as possible to contribute to next year's display.

"I've had some experience of doing this in another city, and I

believe we can make it work and dazzle people with next year's lights."

A similar project this year raised more money than in 2003, but the City Centre Forum has said a lot more effort, and cash, is needed.

"This year, we've succeeded in raising an extra £6,600 from city centre businesses," said city centre manager Georgia Smith.

"But, of course, what we'd really like is a fantastic new scheme with shimmering lights in all the city's shopping areas, so wonderful that shoppers come from miles to see the spectacle.

"With that right at the forefront of our minds, we're starting next year's campaign now. Muff Murfin's already doing a great job and has enlisted the help of six former mayors.

"What we need is for all the shops and businesses to look at this year's lights, imagine what the city could look like next year, and then sign up to help us to transform it for 2005."

For more information, or to join the City Centre Forum campaign, call Georgia Smith on 01905 722561 or Muff Murfin on 01905 820659.

This year's lights will be switched on at 5pm next Thursday (November 18) by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Allah Ditta, at the Guildhall.

There will be a lantern display by Gorse Hill Primary School and music from the Somebody at the Door Samba Band, which will lead the procession to CrownGate for the switch-on.

This will be followed by late night shopping and the Less Able Shopping evening.

There will be choirs, bands and bell ringers around the city centre until 9pm.

Music maestro Muff Murfin is spearheading a campaign to give Worcester the Christmas lights it deserves in 2005.