THE festive season will be kicked off in Dudley with a pantomime performance alongside the traditional Christmas lights switch-on.

The annual switch-on takes place on Saturday, November 23 and will feature performances by local talent including all male trio JMS, JJ Dance Group and Jewel Academy, a youth show team who will showcase their circus skills.

Dudley market will also be running throughout the day with a number of Christmas craft stalls.

Two free live pantomime performances by Funtime Theatre will bring the pantomime Snow White to life for people of all ages to enjoy at 1.30pm and 3pm in unit 8 of the Churchill Precinct.

The town’s lights will then be officially switched on by The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley along with Caroline Martin from BBC WM at 5pm.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "There’s a wonderful line up of entertainment for people to enjoy and I hope this helps get the people of Dudley in the Christmas spirit.

"Thanks to Tudor Markets and the local community for once again supporting the event this year."

Free parking will be available all day (November 23) on all Dudley Council-run car parks in Dudley town centre.

Christmas lights switch-on events will also be held in Brierley Hill on Friday November 29 and in Stourbridge on Saturday November 30.