KIDDERMINSTER will sparkle for the festive period after 28,000 new light bulbs were illuminated on Saturday.

People in the town travelled back through time and donned costumes from the 19th century for the event, which had a Victorian theme.

Santa joined Kidderminster mayor, Peter Dyke, in a horse-drawn carriage that transported them to the town hall for the switch-on.

Visitors also had the chance to do some Christmas shopping at a special Victorian market in Vicar Street and High Street.

Members of Kidderminster's Male Choir helped add to the yuletide atmosphere by filling the winter air with carols.

This year's new lights, which have been placed in Worcester Street, Marlborough Street, Oxford Street, Vicar Street and High Street, have been given an extra shine thanks to a £40,000 cash injection.

The owners of Weavers Wharf, Swan Centre, Rowland Hill Centre and Wyre Forest District Council helped pay for the new decorations, which were organised by the Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership.

Peter Picken, chairman of the group, said: "Everything went well and we were pleased with the numbers who turned up. We estimate that between 2,000 and 3,000 people turned out.

"The children handed in a lot of letters to Father Christmas. He could not promise them everything on their wish-lists but they all seemed to really enjoy it."