CHRISTMAS officially arrived in Worcester as hundreds of people gathered in Worcester this weekend for a magical Christmas lights switch-on.

Throughout the day the crowds were kept entertained with live music ahead of the lights, with performances from Laura Christopher, local artist Andy Grimwood and the Doorstep Princesses singing hits from Frozen.

As the clock ticked away ahead of the switch-on, the Worcester Male Voice Choir sang a host of festive songs for the crowds in Cathedral Square.

The Christmas lights switch-on went ahead despite the freezing conditions and strong winds from Storm Arwen, which had already caused the switch-on in Malvern to be cancelled.

To switch the lights on, Mayor of Worcester Cllr Stephen Hodgson was joined on stage by the cast of this season's pantomime at the Swan Theatre, Beauty and the Beast, as well as guest of honour Oscar Saxelby Lee.

Oscar's story made the headlines around the world after thousands of people from Worcester helped raise the money to fund a lifesaving medical procedure in Singapore.

The pair were also joined by Father Christmas himself, who kept an eye on proceedings.

A City Council spokesman said: "Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the Worcester Christmas Light Switch On event this evening.

"Oscar Saxelby-Lee did a fine job of turning them on, even though he was a little nervous at first doing it in front of a massive crowd."

Immediately after the lights were switched on, the crowd sang Merry Christmas Everyone and a series of popular Christmas songs to get into the festive spirit.

The Christmas lights switch-on was hosted by YOUTHCOMM Radio and Worcester City Council.

The Worcester News filmed the switch-on live, with the video available to watch on the paper's Facebook page.

Looking head to this week, the Victorian Christmas Fayre kicks off on December 2.

Make your way down The Shambles and look out for the precarious Gin Lane alleyway to hang out with hawkers and flower sellers, magic and alchemy, urchins, gin addiction, singing and dancing.

You can find Gin Lane between New Street and The Shambles on Saturday, December 4, between 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday, December 5 between midday and 4pm.