FESTIVE celebrations are set to turn Kidderminster nuts with the most famous of fantasy ballets, The Nutcracker, being the theme for this year's Christmas lights switch-on.

Children are invited to take part in a fancy dress competition using the enchanting Nutcracker story as a theme, with the winners leading the fancy dress parade around the town, before helping Santa and Kidderminster Mayor, Paul Harrison, to switch on the lights.

Parade organiser, Amy Smith, said about 130 youngsters from Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies and Guides were already preparing their costumes for the contest - which is open to all Kidderminster children.

Music for the procession will be provided by the Bewdley Scout Marching Band and Scouts and Guides will help to swell the ranks even more.

The switch-on fun, scheduled for Saturday, November 25, will start at 2.30pm with the fancy dress competition outside the town hall to be judged by Father Christmas and the mayor at 2.45pm.

The lucky winners - a boy and a girl - will be presented with Severn Valley Railway family tickets and the parade will set off from the town hall at 3.15pm.

It will take in Weavers Wharf, the Rowland Hill and Swan shopping centres and return to the town hall at 4pm, when there will be an outdoor carol service led by pupils from Wolverley High School, with support from youngsters from Wolverley and Cookley first schools, followed by the big switch-on at 4.30pm.

A radio roadshow will broadcast outside the town hall during the afternoon and the Swan Centre will host a variety of festive entertainment throughout the day.

There will also be a giant letterbox outside the town hall for children to post those all-important Christmas lists to Santa.

Youngsters are invited to turn up on the day to take part in the fancy dress contest but anyone wanting more details should contact Amy Smith at Wyre Forest District Council on 01562 732975.