MISTLETOE is taking over Tenbury Wells this week as the town goes Christmas crazy with its annual festival.

The town's Mistletoe Festival 2005 opened on Saturday with a grand ball in aid of Tenbury Hospital, and continued yesterday with its mistletoe auction.

Tomorrow is National Mistletoe Day and will see the crowning of the Mistletoe Queen at Tenbury High School as well as the opening of an art and crafts exhibition, all based on the popular plant.

The fun will then continue on Friday and into the weekend, as well as on Tuesday, December 6 and 13.

People of all ages have been enjoying the festive fun and are using the events to grab some colourful Christmas decorations in the run-up to December 25.

Visitors are expected from all over the country and other attractions in Tenbury during the festive include a rock 'n' roll concert, high school bazaar, druid mistletoe blessings and talks from plant experts.