THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas is on and Worcester shopping chiefs are getting into the Christmas spirit with tree-mendous festive family fun this winter.
Worcester’s Christmas lights will shine from Saturday (November 27) as Crowngate’s very own Father Christmas, Mayor of Worcester Coun Stephen Hodgson, local hero Oscar Saxelby-Lee and this year’s Beauty and the Beast panto cast come together for the big switch on.
Excitement will build in Cathedral Square from 2pm with a range of performances from local groups and artists including Perry Wood Junior School Choir and performances from singing sensations Vinesto, Andy Grimwood and Laura Christopher.
Families can enjoy free face painting in the Pod from 2pm to 4pm as well as visit Father Christmas for free in his new grotto at Toy Town.
Youthcomm radio presenters will compere throughout with the official light switch-on taking place at 6pm.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Worcester over the festive period – we’ll be pulling out all the stops to make this Christmas extra-special,” said Lucy Hodgson, chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee.
“We have a fantastic variety of independent retailers, big-name high street stores, restaurants and bars in the city. After a particularly challenging year, I urge everyone to buy local and support Worcester’s traders this Christmas.”
Christmas trees have now sprung up to add to the festive spirit at the Guildhall, Cathedral Square, St. Andrew’s Gardens and Gheluvelt Park
On December 18 visitors can to Crowngate can enjoy music from Worcester Male Voice choir, who will be delighting shoppers with a performance in Bell Square.
Centre manager Michael Lloyd said: “It really is looking, and feeling, a lot like Christmas at Crowngate.
“We’re so excited the festive season is nearly here and we’ve been busy organising brilliant activities – and some surprises, too – for the whole family to enjoy right up until the big day.”
Families can visit Santa’s Grotto in Toy Town on November 27 and 28 and on December 5,12 and 19
Free face painting in the Pod will take place throughout November and December on selected dates.
Cotswold Markets will also be bringing a smaller Christmas gift market to Worcester from December 6 to December 22. A row of wooden chalets will line the High Street, selling a variety of festive wares.
There will also be additional market stalls in Cathedral Square on the weekends of December 11 to 12 and December 18 to 19.
Visit www.crowngate-worcester.co.uk/Christmas for more.
