EXTRA buses from outlying villages means everyone will be able to do their Christmas shopping in Pershore this yuletide.

And they certainly won't want to miss out on the town's festive extravaganza to mark the start of Christmas which takes place on Saturday, November 25, when the festive lights are due to be switched on by the Mayor of Pershore, Val Wood, together with the lucky winner of the children's design a Christmas card competition for the under eights.

Celebrations continue with a special Christmas Farmer's Market on Sunday, December 17, which begins at 10am.

There's a craft fayre in Pershore Town Hall at the same time and street entertainment including the Avonside Chorus and traditional carol singers on street corners. Mulled wine and mince pies will be on hand to warm cold bodies and Pershore Abbey will be open for the day, offering tours of the magnificent building.

Mrs Wood says she is delighted to be hosting her first Christmas as mayor of the riverside town.

"I have spent two Christmases as deputy mayor so it is great to be able to preside over the proceedings in my chain of office and extol the virtues of my favourite town," said Mrs Wood. "Pershore is always fabulous at Christmas time because of the range of independent shops and friendly, professional traders.

"We expect a record number of visitors this year, because of the greatly improved bus service. There are more buses from the outlying villages and an hourly service from Evesham and Worcester."

Visitors to Pershore will see a different arrangement of festive lighting.

Due to health and safety requirements, new lights have had to be placed in Broad Street, High Street, Bridge Street and at the Town Hall.

"The original anchor points on some of the listed buildings failed to come up to the stringent standards required by health and safety regulations, which meant that we could not hang the lights from them," explained Mrs Wood.

"We could not replace the anchor points in time because of the strict planning rules so we have a new contractor in this year to put them up and take them down but the lights will be as stunning as ever.

"The big Christmas tree in Broad Street will be brightly lit and for the first time, St Andrew's Gardens will be decorated with coloured lights."

The centre of Pershore may be at the hub of the Christmas celebrations, but there is quite a lot going on at other venues in and around the town in the few weeks leading up to December 25.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition called Looking for Counterchange by local artist, John Hodgkins, who lives in Elmley Castle, until Tuesday, December 5; acclaimed Gaelic singer, Julie Fowlis, will be performing songs from her debut album at Number 8 on Thursday, November 23; the Dampiers barn dance promises a night of dancing and laughter on Saturday, November 25, and Pershore Jazz Club will be entertaining music lovers at the Caf Bar at Number 8 on Wednesday, November 29.

Known as the famous five, these popular musicians combine their talents to satisfy all tastes and the concert is sure to be a sell out so book your tickets soon.

Pershore Abbey is due to host Pershore Choral Autumn Concert tomorrow and Pershore Town Hall is organising a movement and music experience for preschool age children until Wednesday, December 13.