AREAS across Halesowen and Sandwell are set to continue the countdown to Christmas this weekend as more festive light switch-on events take place.

First up on Friday (November 24) will be Shell Corner, with lampposts in Long Lane being illuminated with LED trees.

The Shell Corner Partnership – a community group headed up by the three Halesowen North councillors – has been providing lights for the past couple of years, but after raising thousands of pounds thanks to fundraising and sponsorship, more lights than even before will be turned on this year.

The lights will be switched on at a special event from 4pm, with people invited to Long Lane Library from 3.15pm where drinks for adults and treats for youngsters will be offered.

It will then be Old Hill’s turn to be lit up on Saturday (November 25). Once again hosted by Holy Trinity Church, families attending the switch-on – with the church open from 3.30pm to 6pm – will be treated to some wonderful festive music courtesy of the Halesowen Brass Band.

Organisers have also invited local businessman Ivan Rudge – founder of the well-known Ivan’s Fish & Chip shop, who this year are celebrating 60 years of trading in the area – to be their VIP guest and help to switch on the town’s lights at 5pm alongside Deputy Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Susan Eaves, and Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris.

In addition to the music from the brass band, there will be gift stalls, hot refreshments, mince pies, face painting and Disney Princess characters Cinderella and Belle.

There will also be a specialist photographer on hand to take photos of children with Father Christmas, who will also be making a very special appearance on the Rotary sleigh.

Finally, community spirit will be in full flow as Cradley switch on their Christmas lights on Sunday (November 26).

Cradley Residents Association has raised the money to put up the festive illuminations which will be turned on outside The Laurels at 6pm.

Before the main event, there will be pre-switch entertainment being held in the Windmill Hill club from 3pm – costing £4 entry – courtesy of live band ‘The Limit’, while hot pork baps, mulled wine, mince pies will be served.