EXCITEMENT is building in Stourport as the town gets ready to turn on the festive spirit when the Christmas lights switch is flicked next week.

More than 5,000 people are expected to descend on the town for the event taking place on Friday, November 25.

Buskers, bands and carol singers will help add to the yuletide feeling and visitors could also bag a bargain at a special Christmas market in New Street or in the town centre shops that are remaining open until 7pm.

Youngsters from Lickhill Middle School are taking part in the annual Three Kings Parade that will wind its way through New Street, Bridge Street and High Street en route to the Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens.

The procession starts from Stourport Sports Centre, in Harold Davies Drive, at 6pm and will reach the gardens for the switch countdown at 6.15pm.

Children from the schools choir will fill the night air with carols and members of Scout and Guide groups are also taking part in the procession.

Raissa Berry, art manager at the Lickhill Road school, said pupils were busy preparing the costumes for the event.

She added: "All the children look forward to the parade and are really enjoying making and adding to the costumes. A lot of the pupils come from Stourport and it should be a really nice night."

This year's lights, which have cost more than £50,000, will be switched on by Tom Parmenter, from Central News.

Organiser, Pete Roberts, said: "It is something the people in the town enjoy every year and, hopefully, this will be the biggest and best ever.

"Everyone can take part in the parade and we are still looking for street performers. Anybody who can entertain can take part."

People who are interested in providing entertainment or seeking more information about the event can contact Mr Roberts on 01299 826930.