A TOWN'S Christmas lights have been switched on despite weather warnings from Storm Bert. 

Droitwich has turned on its Christmas lights and hundreds turned out to witness the annual spectacle. 

Residents eagerly awaited news about the event this week as Storm Bert was set to arrive and neighbouring events in Worcester and Evesham having been cancelled on the last minute. 

Droitwich Town Council decided to go ahead with the event, however the Christmas Fun Fair was cancelled due to safety concerns and some activities were moved inside. 

 Santa's Grotto remained at St Richard's House whilst other activities such as the live music and stalls were moved to Community Hall. 

The town's lights were switched on at 6pm today (November 23) from St Andrews Shopping Centre. 

Rob Shipley, a resident of Droitwich who has been to the event for more than 20 years, said: "I'm here (at Community Hall) to watch my granddaughters dance in about 15 minutes. 

"They have not arrived yet but hopefully they will make it in time. 

"So far it's been very good and really Christmassy. 

"There's a real community spirit in here 

"You can see from the car parks that numbers are down but the weather hasn't stopped us from coming down this evening. 

"It's a real shame because a lot of effort goes into it and I have been coming to watch the lights being turned on for more than 20 years. 

"We are definitely going to stick around and watch them light up later, we can't wait."

Hundreds gathered in Community Hall throughout the day to listen to performances by The Salvation Army Band and Westacre Middle School Choir to name a couple.

Jayne Sanders, owner of Universal Plants who had a stall in Community Hall, said: "It is our first time here and it's not been too bad. 

"I think generally the weather has had an impact on how many people have dropped by but we have had more people than I had expected. 

"People have definitely been talking about how much they are looking forward to the lights being turned on and are glad that the events were not cancelled."