PICTURES show Halesowen celebrating the start of the festive season as 37k people visited the town on the day of its Christmas lights switch on.

The celebrations included live entertainment, a Christmas market, fairground attractions and special guests throughout Saturday (November 19).

Thousands of local residents visited the town centre with 37,000 visitors enjoying the festivities, an increase of 12,000 more people compared to an average Saturday.

Black Country radio hosts Dan Richards and Matt Dudley led a whole host of stage acts for the event comprising local organisations and performance groups.

Acts included; Shenstone Wellbeing Choir, Cirque l'amore, Theatrekidz, Lifecentral Church, HYPA and Startime Variety Performance Group.

The town also welcomed local band Jayla for an epic rock performance and also former Britain's Got Talent comedienne Eva Abley.

The countdown to the light switch on was led by Bhangra Smash with special guest, ITV's Des Coleman, pushing the all important red button at 5pm.

The town centre was also filled with festive market stalls selling everything from Christmas gifts to baked goods.

Local traders joined the festivities by dressing their shop windows and setting up their own stalls as part of the market.

Circus acts roamed the town on stilts entertaining crowds as they waited for the big switch on.

Vicky Rogers, Halesowen BID Manager said: "It's been another incredible event and we're so grateful to everyone who committed their time to making it so memorable.

"We're thrilled to see such a huge amount of people visit the town centre and our local traders.

"We have big plans again for next year and we can't wait to get started!"