CHRISTMAS is coming to the Crowngate Shopping Centre.

The city shopping site is hosting a series of festive events for families to enjoy.

November 27 sees the official switch-on of the Christmas lights in Worcester, with the Lord Mayor and Oscar Saxelby-Lee all taking part, alongside this year's panto cast from Beauty and the Beast.

Oscar, the schoolboy whose fight against serious illness caught the headlines across the world, is one of the main guests for the event.

Families can enjoy free face-painting in the Pod at Crowngate from 2pm to 4pm and Father Christmas will be on hand in his grotto.

This year, the lights switch-ons in Worcester, Malvern, Evesham and Droitwich are all on the same day.

This is a change of plan from previous years, in which the Worcester switch-on was on a Thursday.

A city council spokesman said this was so their celebrations could be an extra special event, given last year's virtual switch-on caused by Covid.

On December 18, shoppers can be entertained by music from Worcester Male Voice choir, who will be performing in Bell Square throughout the day.

Crowngate manager Mike Lloyd said: "It really is looking and feeling a lot like Christmas at Crowngate.

"We’re so excited that the festive season is nearly here and we’ve been busy organising brilliant activities – and some surprises, too - for the whole family to enjoy right up until the big day."

Families can visit Santa’s Grotto in Toy Town on November 27 and 28 as well as December 5, 12 and 19.

Free face painting in the Pod will take place throughout November and December on selected dates.

Full details of this along with all Christmas activity can be viewed at www.crowngate-worcester.co.uk/Christmas

Various shops in Worcester, including Crowngate, will be staying open late every Thursday from 25th November. Share your love for Worcester and support local this Christmas. You can also park for £1 after 5pm at the car park.

Stores which have confirmed they will be open for late night shopping are Primark, Cardzone, Boots, The Works, New Look and Bonmarche.