Festive fun is guaranteed when Wolverhampton lights up in the countdown to Christmas with events around the city this week.

All the family is invited to the free Christmas lights switch on events taking place in Wolverhampton, Wednesfield, Bilston and Tettenhall from Wednesday to Saturday (26 to 29 November).

Father Christmas and his reindeer will be joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Mike Heap, Joe Tracini, who is starring in the Grand Theatre's pantomime Cinderella, and Wolves players Kevin McDonald and Matt Doherty at the magical festive lights switch on taking place in Wolverhampton city centre on Wednesday (26 November).

The fun gets underway in Market Square at 5pm, with a mini market, funfair and traditional Christmas music played by the Wulfruna steam organ.

The festivities also include entertainment from Free Radio, children's TV characters Ben and Holly as well as a spectacular firework finale at 6.30pm. Free parking will be available at the School Street car park from 3pm on the day, and many shops will remain open until 9pm for Christmas shopping.

The Wednesfield event takes place on Thursday (27 November) with the fun beginning in the High Street at 4pm with the Signal 107.7 Roadshow and the Mayor and Father Christmas turning the lights on at 5pm.

Bilston will light up on Friday (28 November) with a fun fair and the Signal 107.7 Roadshow in Church Street from 4pm and Father Christmas joining the Mayor for the big switch on at 5pm.

Last but not least, Tettenhall's festivities take place on Upper Green on Saturday (29 November) starting at 5pm, with the Signal 107.7 Roadshow, a funfair and food and trade stalls. The lights will be switched on by Father Christmas and the Mayor at 6.30pm.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "We want to see as many families as possible pack out Wolverhampton's Market Square and enjoy our Christmas lights switch on and fireworks show.

"This year we have got special guests Joe Tracini as well as Wolves FC players and of course Father Christmas and his real reindeer. I'm sure children and their families will love it.

"And for people who can't get into the city centre the Mayor and Father Christmas will be visiting Wednesfield, Bilston and Tettenhall to switch on the lights and begin the countdown to Christmas."

Entry to all events is free. For full details of the Christmas events in Wolverhampton please visit Type=links;Linkid=4810;Title=Wolves Civic - Christmas;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Monday 24 November, 2014