CHRISTMAS came to Dudley and Brierley Hill on Saturday, November 27 with the switching on of the towns’ festive lights.

Crowds turned out for the two events, which included entertainment and the big switch-ons.

In Dudley there was a Christmas Market, operated by Tudor markets, live entertainment by local musicians and bands and special free performances of Dick Whittington by the award-winning Fun Time Theatre.

Mayor of Dudley Councillor Anne Millward was joined by BBC WM presenter Amber Sandhu to turn the lights on.

In Brierley Hill street acts The Angels and Code Red entertained while there were performances by Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company and Bromley Pensnett Primary School.

Halesowen Brass Band performed at the indoor Market, where youngsters could also visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Butcher Gordon Tranter and student nurse Olivia Jane Hanson, who both helped save a woman’s life performing CPR after she collapsed while shopping in the town centre earlier this year, were on stage to press the button and light up the town. They were joined by deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Sue Greenaway.

Mayor of Dudley, councillor Anne Millward said: "It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the festive spirit at these events.

"Thank you to all the entertainers and to everyone who has come out to support them and our local businesses.”

There was also a Christmas lights event in Coseley on Friday, November 26.