THE countdown to Christmas has officially begun in Kidderminster, after the town centre was lined with people for the annual lights switch on.

Hundreds of spectators gathered outside the town hall on Saturday afternoon to see the big button pushed after a day of entertainment.

BBC Hereford and Worcester Road Show presenter Elliott Webb kept the crowds going in the town square, while pop duo Sadie Owen and Zoe Fuller, and singer-songwriter Ellisha Green put on performances to get visitors in the festive mood.

Kidderminster Rock Choir were rocking around the Christmas tree and U2 (the tribute) were also on hand to put on a charitable show in aid of Kemp Hospice later in the day inside the town hall.

Excitement peaked at 4.45pm, when Shuttle competition winners Daisy and Ava Field stepped up to the spotlight alongside town mayor Mike Price, Carnival Queen Jessica Campbell and Father Christmas to push the button and light up the town.

Mr Price said switching on the Christmas lights is something the town mayor looks forward to every year.

“It was a brilliant day,” he said. “We had a fantastic turnout from local residents and visitors, especially the large amount of children who all seemed to have a great time.

“The two competition winners were absolutely lovely and I was very proud to switch on the lights alongside them, the carnival queen and Father Christmas.”

The current set of Christmas lights is making its third outing, after the council signed a £60,000 three-year deal in 2012 with MK Illuminations in a bid to improve the town’s festive decorations.

Surrounding towns Stourport and Bewdley will also be switched on in the coming weeks, with Stourport set to be lit up on Friday, November 21, during the annual Three Kings Parade, while Bewdley will celebrate its light festival on Saturday, November 29.

To view more of our Christmas lights switch on photographs click here