WORCESTER'S streets are filling with Christmas cheer as the countdown has started for its light switch on.

The city will be lit up to mark the start of the festive season during an evening of entertainment in Cathedral Square on Saturday, November 23.

The festivities will start at 4pm with Worcester BID's community lantern parade that will leave The Hive and later arrive in Cathedral Square.

The Nutcracker Lantern Parade in 2023. (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) Former Worcester University student turned singer and songwriter Shelle will also start the evening's performances shortly after 4pm.

There will then be live performances, identified by hosts BBC Hereford & Worcester, and everyone will include a classic Christmas song.

The singers wowing the crowds on the night will be Aymee Wier, Joseph Morris, Sign of Angelo, Jasper Malone and Sam Ostler – all of whom have a local connection.

Switching the lights on at 6pm will be the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott, along with the pantomime cast from Swan Theatre and Father Christmas.

Cllr Allcott said: “I am very excited about switching on Worcester’s Christmas lights.

The Mayor Louis Steven and Mayoress Katey Stephen met Father Christmas switched on the lights last year (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) “Some brilliant musicians from Worcester and nearby will be performing and you can't beat live music.

“Do come and join us for the Christmas lights switch-on.”

College Street on Deansway will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm until 6.45pm and the bus stop in Cathedral Square will be suspended during the event.

BBC Introducing will also hold live music in Cathedral Square on Sunday, November 24, between 11.30am and 4pm.

Performers are due to include Lucy Gidley, Split Second, Year Of The Lion, Outpost Drive and Sleuth.

Andrew Marston, BBC Introducing presenter, said: "Worcester has always been a hotbed of talent, and every week, we're inundated with more tracks than we could ever play on the radio.

“Therefore, we rarely get to play the same song twice.

"So, to be able to offer this incredible platform of performing for our local great and good... what a setting.

“Our county has produced some absolute musical gems - and some of the country's future headliners will be joining us on stage - so audiences are in for a real treat."

Safety measures will be in place, with stewards on hand to provide help to anyone who needs it.