FESTIVE fun is set to fill the streets as Worcester prepares to illuminate the city centre with the Christmas lights switch-on.

Presenters from BBC Hereford & Worcester, Malcolm Boyden and Elliott Webb, will be hosting the event to get everyone in the festive spirit.

The celebration will be a fun-packed evening beginning at 4pm, on Thursday, November 22.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by the Mayor of Worcester, Jabba Riaz, followed by a community Christmas Carol sing-a-long.

The evening signifies the official start of late-night shopping in the city, where many shops will be open until 8pm every Thursday night until Christmas.

It is yet to be confirmed which special guest will make an appearance to the event. All other details including the full line-up and location will be announced nearer to the time.

Which special guest do you think will be lighting up the city next month? Over the years, Worcester has been graced with the presence of special characters, such as Bob the Builder, Scooby Doo and Pudsey Bear.

Malvern will also be joining the festivity as the town centre will be lit up on Saturday, November 24. The stars of Malvern Theatre’s pantomime Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs will flick the light switch at 6pm.

Entertainment will be on offer at various locations around the town centre, starting at 10am.

There will be a series of musical performances throughout the day, with appearances from Malvern St James Choir, Malvern Rock Choir and Malvern Hills District Brass Band on the Belle Vue Island stage.

There will be a number of activities taking place around the town centre including a vintage car display, a stilt walker, and performances by the Appleyard Dancers.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto over at Malvern Library on Graham Road for the boys and girls to visit.

There will also be Victorian rides, face painting and music from Malvern Area Music String Orchestra, and dance performances from Amelia's Dance Academy.

The highlight of the event comes as darkness falls and the traditional lantern parade takes place through the streets of the town centre leading to the switching-on itself at 6pm.