SANTA will be coming to Droitwich town centre every weekend before Christmas.

For the first time, he will be welcoming youngsters to his grotto – set in an unused shop in St Andrew’s Square – throughout December.

The grotto will be run with the help of his friends from the Droitwich Lions.

Lion Brian Eland said: “Anyone who wants to come along and see Santa is very welcome and there will be lots of games for the children to play. The grotto is free but anyone willing to give a small donation will help raise money for Acorns children’s hospice and other local charities.”

The grotto will open on Saturday, November 28, as part of the town’s annual switch-on of its Christmas Lights. This year, the town will be lit up with displays in Victoria Square, High Street, Gurney’s Lane and Saltbarrow Market. The official switch-on will take place in St Andrew’s Church Gardens, near to a lit Christmas tree at the top of the High Street, at 4.30pm following a procession. Multi-coloured trees and decorations will also be seen in St Andrew’s Square shopping centre.

Roving stilt walkers, jugglers, seasonal characters, a street magician and Norbury theatre panto characters will entertain crowds on the day.

From 10am visitors can enjoy a funfair in Victoria Square or a farmer’s market in Saltbarrow Market.

The event will also feature a brass band from 1.30pm with a performance from Whitford and Dodderhill School Choir from 3.30pm.

The grotto will be open from 1pm until 3.45pm and then afterwards from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and 11am to 2pm on Sundays.

The grotto will also be open from 10.30am to 3pm from Monday, December 21, to Thursday, December 24. An events programme giving full details of all activities is available at some town centre businesses, including the tourist information and heritage centre in St Richard’s House.

More information is available from deputy town clerk Tracy Bodley on 01905 774258 or by e-mailing tracy.bodley@droitwichspa.gov.uk.