VISITORS to a Worcester shopping centre will be kept both entertained and informed in the run-up to Christmas.

The CrownGate shopping centre will be the venue for carol singers, violinists and safety demonstrations – among other things – throughout December.

The different events are aiming to raise money for a number of charities; Worcester City Council hopes to raise the profile of recycling, and the police and fire services want to highlight the potential hazards of the festive period.

Late-night shopping on Thursday evenings will be dedicated to music. All Saints Church is hosting a musical event on December 3 and violinist Shulah Oliver plays on December 10.

The firefighters’ charity will be combining music with raising safety awareness on December 17.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service will also be raising awareness on December 10 with a day of events held on the bus concourse.

Worcester police will be in Bell Square from 9am on Friday, December 4, and the council will be encouraging people to recycle as much as they can at Christmas on Thursday, December 10.

The Salvation Army will be promoting their Presents Under The Tree campaign on the first three Wednesdays of the month, encouraging members of the public to donate wrapped gifts for children in Worcester who may otherwise go without.

In addition, throughout December, numerous musical events will help to raise money for good causes, from the city’s Acorns Children’s Hospice to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Erica Burlace, Crown-Gate centre manager, said: “Many of the events being held are to raise money for charities around the county. Their work is particularly important at this time of year when many people are in need of help and support.”

Ms Burlace is certain the music will lift everyone’s spirits.

She said: “Christmas shopping is far more enjoyable with seasonal musical entertainment, so we hope people come down and get into the festive mood at CrownGate.”