FESTIVE events will be taking place in Halesowen, Dudley, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge and Sedgley over the coming weeks as the towns switch on their Christmas lights.

The first event will be held in Halesowen, in association with Halesowen BID, on Saturday (November 16) with events in Brierley Hill, Dudley, Stourbridge and Sedgley to follow.

There will be a festive market, children’s rides and performances with the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Hilary Bills, set to switch on the lights at 5pm.

Dudley and Brierley Hill will sparkle after switch-on events on Saturday November 23, with both towns switching on at 4pm following a day of live entertainment and Christmas markets.

Christmas fun will come to Stourbridge on Saturday November 30 with children’s rides, choir performances and entertainment taking place on the High Street, followed by an appearance from Mr Grinch and Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, who will switch on the lights at 5pm.

People can also enjoy entertainment at Ryemarket Square and an indoor Christmas market and grotto at Stourbridge Town Hall during the day, followed by an eclectic mix of local guest acts and open mic sessions on an outdoor stage in Coventry Street from 1pm to 7pm, in association with Plugged Inn.

Sedgley will hold the last event on Sunday December 1, with local community events and activities taking place throughout the day. Deputy Mayor Pete Lee will be switching on the lights at 6.30pm.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor at Dudley Council, said: “These fantastic events mark the beginning of the festivities and help to boost town centre trade.

“Our fantastic local businesses and organisations help to support us every year and as always we are expecting the town centres to be very busy for these wonderful events.”

The town centre Christmas events are being sponsored by Merry Hill and Jewson.