THOUSANDS of people turned out in Stourport to enjoy one of the biggest annual festive parades in the town.

The Three Kings Parade and Christmas Lights switch-on event was held on Friday (November 20) and saw a huge crowd enjoy the festive fun.

More than a 1,000 people, including pupils from schools across the town, marched from the Civic Centre to the Civic Hall as part of the Three Kings Parade.

The lights were then switched on by dignitaries including Stourport Mayor Cliff Brewer, MP Mark Garnier, Stourport Carnival’s Queen, Princess and Rosebud, an Elvis impersonator and Father Christmas himself, who paraded through the town on a new sleigh.

Hundreds was raised for the Mayor’s charities through street entertainers while the evening finished with a spectacular fireworks display.

Organiser Pete Roberts said: “It was a brilliant evening and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves throughout.

“We had more than a thousand people take part in the parade, which was good. The rain held off too, apart from a bit of drizzle early on, so that didn’t dampen the spirits.”

“Overall, it went really well, and I want to thank everyone who attended and supported the event.”

Councillor Brewer added: "This year’s Parade was one of the biggest held. More Schools took part than in previous years, and we even had our Elvis lookalike taking part.

"My charities benefitted to the tune of £196 from the street collections.

"Again, this year we owe a big thank you to Pete Roberts and his Light Brigade Team, whose hard work, expertise and endeavour to make the Parade such a spectacle and success.

"Once again Stourport-on-Severn put on a great show for the many visitors and residents.  It is the people’s Parade, especially the children.

"Everybody had a wonderful evening, culminating in a glittering firework display which lit up the sky over our lovely town."

For more photos from the event, visit our picture gallery here.