STOURPORT Town Centre will be glowing with festive spirit on Friday, November 21, for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Accompanying the town’s illuminations will be the Three Kings Parade which will see thousands of residents and visitors take to the streets of Stourport.

The traditional parade, which leaves Stourport Civic Centre at 6pm, will include Father Christmas, jugglers, buskers and an open top bus ride.

Participants are being asked to assemble in the car park behind the Civic Centre, in Martins Way, from 5.30pm.

Stourport Scouts and Girl Guide Band will be leading out the parade alongside children from St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School who will be carrying the three 8ft model kings through the streets.

Organisers are inviting local children who are taking part in the parade to bring a lantern with them to keep the walk candle-lit throughout.

The parade will finish outside the Civic Hall at about 6.30pm where the final illuminations will be lit and various traditional carols will be sung.

This year’s carnival queen Mary Newman, princess Halle Griffiths and rosebud Darcie Holmes will be switching on the town’s lights.

Around the town, buskers will be entertaining from about 4pm to 8pm, who will be helping to raise money for this year’s Mayoral charity – Macmillan Cancer Support Nurses.

A new addition to this year’s parade will be an open top bus which will be joined by Stourport Rotary Clubs Father Christmas sitting in his sleigh.

Throughout the town there will be a craft fair between 5pm and 9pm at the newly refurbished Civic Hall, where seasonal refreshments will be available to buy, and Raven Street car park will host a fun fair with children’s rides.

Wyre Forest District Councillor Anne Hingley, cabinet member for health, well-being and housing, said: “The Three Kings parade is a fantastic way to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.

“There really is something for everyone and we hope local residents join us for a wonderful evening.”

Organisers are appealing to local entertainers to help raise money for charity during the evening of the event.

Street entertainers such as buskers, singers, dancers or fire eaters are being urged to contacting Pete Roberts on 01299 879340.