THE wait is almost over for the switch-on of the Droitwich Christmas Lights.

This Saturday (November 28) at 4.30pm, Mayor of Droitwich Cllr Graham Beale will press the switch to light up the town centre and Christmas trees.

He will be joined in this task by the Norbury Theatre performers and St. Richards Hospice choirs, who will entertain the crowds outside St. Richard’s House.

While many people are likely come into town for the lights switch, there will be plenty on offer for those who wish to stay longer.

The day begins from mid-morning with the Worcestershire Farmers Market and Wilson's Fun Fair in the Victoria Square.

Droitwich Lions Club is running the Santa's Grotto inside St Richard's House all day until the early evening. There will be accompanying children’s activities and local craft exhibitors inside the adjacent Tourist Information Centre.

Elsewhere in town, West Acre Middle School Choir will be singing on Salt Barrow Market from 11.30am followed by the Rock Choir at noon and a Christmas singalong at 1.45pm.

At 2.30pm the Salvation Army Band will perform, Wilf's Carnival Band at 4.45pm and singer-Louise Roberts from 6pm into the evening.

There will be a licensed bar and pig roast from lunchtime onwards.

At 3.30pm a balloon release takes place organised by cancer charity Macmillan.

St Andrews Church is the venue for the Christmas Tree Festival, with tree lights being switched on at 4pm.

There is a community festive concert from 5.15pm until 6pm, including Droitwich Community Choir and the Lighthouse Puppets. The Parish Centre rooms will be open for refreshments throughout the day.

Between 2pm and 8pm the High Street features a Dickensian-themed Christmas with trade and community stalls, food and drink, lantern making and street entertainers.

There will also be the opportunity to meet Father Christmas' reindeer between 2.30pm and 4.30pm as well as the decorated horses with their carriage standing outside St Andrews Church.

The event also sees the launch of the new Christmas Times campaign, featuring discount vouchers and the Droitwich Advent calendar competition.

For further information visit visitdroitwichspa.com or pick up a programme.