Worcester kicked off its Christmas celebrations in style with a lively lights switch-on in the city centre.
A large crowd gathered in Cathedral Square on Saturday (November 26) to see the city’s festive decorations lit up.
Presenters from the newly-reformed Radio Wyvern kicked off the entertainment on stage at 4pm and even a bit of rain didn’t dampen the party atmosphere.
Bromsgrove band Split Second were among the musical acts to perform, while the Doorstep Princesses, as Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, kept children entertained in the build-up to the main moment.
There was also an appearance by the cast of Cinderella, the family pantomime that gets underway this week at the Swan Theatre.
The moment the lights were switched on in Worcester 🎄🎅 pic.twitter.com/aImgq5o3NJ
— Worcester City Council (@myworcester) November 26, 2022
The big switch-on itself took place at 6pm, with Worcester mayor Adrian Gregson joined on stage by Father Christmas himself to do the honours.
Christmas lights 'better than ever'
The lights themselves cover more of the city centre than they have in previous years, with the decorations extending into New Road.
City councillor Robyn Norfolk said the festive lights were “better than ever” and that decorating New Road created a “colourful seasonal link between our two busiest shopping areas in the city centre and St John’s.”
She added: “Despite the pressures that people are under at the moment, we hope the Christmas lights will encourage shoppers and visitors into our city and help our local businesses to enjoy a successful festive season.”
Worcester BID has also provided additional lighting for the city centre, ensuring The Shambles, Reindeer Court, Friar Street, New Street, The Hopmarket and Lower Broad Street all look suitably festive.
The BID has also created an art trail in the form of Christmas windows around the city centre - and will be producing a free map to help families spot them all.
READ MORE: Worcester Christmas lights switch-on - as it happened
The Crowngate Shopping Centre is also helping to make December extra special for families visiting the city centre.
It is offering free meet and greets with Father Christmas every Thursday to Sunday throughout the month until Christmas, with an extra chance to see the big man himself on Wednesday, December 21.
Santa will be appearing in Chapel Walk and at Toy Town on those dates.
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