FAMILIES flocked to the heart of Malvern and Droitwich to see the Christmas lights switched on.

In Malvern, the star of Channel 5’s Milkshake! flicked the switch.

Amy Thompson, who is appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk at Malvern Theatres this December, drew cheers of delight from the many youngsters who recognised her from the popular children’s show.

The lights switch-on was the culmination of a day of activities and entertainment dotted around Malvern on Saturday, which included a petting zoo, dance performances and live music courtesy of school bands and choirs.

Parents got the chance to get ahead with present shopping at the numerous independent stalls in the grounds of the Priory.

Colourful stilt walkers led a Christmas procession up Church Street followed by a samba band, numerous dancers and children carrying illuminated lanterns.

Following behind were panto star Amy as well as Daisy the cow – who managed to lumber up the steep steps to Belle Vue island before the switch was finally flicked.

Chris Marks, owner of Iapetus Gallery and a driving force behind this year’s Christmas celebrations, said the day had been a great success, with thousands of people visiting.

He said: “It’s been gradually building throughout the day. There were fears of rain and snow so it’s been fantastic. The lantern parade looks amazing again. There’s been a real Christmassy buzz about it.”

Meanwhile, in Droitwich a brass band played and children sang as the lights went on.

Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday to see the spa town’s brand new illuminations.

Mayor Maureen Lawley pressed the button while local children sang Christmas carols.

“There were plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ when the lights came on,” said Droitwich Town Council’s deputy clerk Tracy Bodley.

“Just before the switch-on, the mayor, who loves Christmas, got a few of the children on to the raised platform to sing carols together. All the children knew the words and they sang their hearts out. It was brilliant.”

Before the switch-on at 4.30pm, excited youngsters went to Santa’s grotto in St Andrew’s Square. There was a special performance by Whitford and Dodderhill School Choir, as well as stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and pantomime characters to entertain the crowds.

There was a fun fair in Victoria Square and a farmer’s market in Saltbarrow Market.

This year, for the first time, Droitwich’s festive lights adorn Gurneys Lane and Saltbarrow Market as well as the main shopping strip.

The focal point is the giant Christmas tree at the top of the High Street.