WORCESTER city centre is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and decorations tonight.

The official switch-on of the city and CrownGate Shopping Centre's Christmas lights promises to attract hundreds of residents ready to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

And lucky revellers will have the chance to enjoy two big switch-ons. Mayor Aubrey Tarbuck will do the honours at the Guildhall at 5.30pm before joining movie star, Shrek at Friary Square, CrownGate at 6pm.

Crowds will also be entertained by the Samba Santas who will attempt to add a seasonal twist to the celebrations and invite visitors to have a go a joining in and playing the drums. Pupils from Stanley Road Primary School will also light the way with their home-made lanterns. A team of almost 40 have been working hard to ensure the ceilings are covered and boughs are decked in time for the big event.

And this year, there are more decorations than ever before, with six new strings of lights adorning the main high street. The big switch-on will also kick off a feast of festive fun for the rest of the season.

Late night shopping will begin and continue every Thursday until Christmas to 9pm. Free mince pies are also up for grabs at participating stores.

Father Christmas is set to make his first big appearance on Sunday when he goes to his grotto at CrownGate to meet the city's boys and girls.

From 1pm he will make his way up the High Street, along The Cross and down into Friary walk where he'll be busy in his grotto until December 23 when he will leave to deliver presents in time for Christmas Day.

The Christmas Fayre will run for four days from November 24 to 27 and will be more traditional with added stalls and fairground rides to ensure both young and old enjoy wandering through the Victorian market.