THE clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and temperatures are dropping into single figures, which means one thing – the festive season is fast approaching.
As Christmas lists begin to be created and plans for ice skating and gingerbread-house making are pencilled into the diary, the towns across the borough are preparing to light up the winter skies with dazzling Christmas lights.
The details for several Christmas light switch on events across Dudley have been unveiled, with the first beginning in just two weeks.
The Council is running events in Halesowen, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Sedgley and Dudley this year, with switch ons taking place throughout November and early December.
This year’s events are supported by Mayoral Business Club members Interclass, Jewson, Pegasus and Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill.
Here is everything you need to know:
Halesowen Christmas Light Switch On
When: Saturday, November 15
There is a whole host of festive fun to be had in Halesowen.
The event, in association with association with Halesowen BID, will have a large Christmas market, children’s rides and performances from local acts and entertainers.
Halesowen Library will be running a free craft session for children between 10am until 12pm where you can make your own Christmas card.
St John's Church also have lots of activities planned for the switch on day including their annual Christmas Fayre from 10am until 2pm, plus children's craft activity and tower tours every half hour from 10.30am until 2.30pm (small charge applies).
The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lees, will switch on the lights at 5pm and Bangra Smash Up keeping the celebrations going until 6pm.
Stourbridge Christmas Light Switch On
When: Saturday, November 22
Stourbridge will be getting into the festive spirit with celebrations throughout the town.
High Street will have children’s rides, a market and stage and there will be live entertainment and choir performances on Crown Square.
Heavy Beat Brass Band will be walking around the town bringing their big musical energy and Ski Sunday bringing retro 80s fun and tunes as they glide around town.
A giant snow globe will be in Ryemarket Square from 11am until 4pm for people to step into a magical snowscape.
There is even an opportunity to have story time with Father Christmas in his grotto at Stourbridge Town Hall - tickets can be bought from https://boroughhalls.co.uk/storytime-with-father... and time slots run from 11am until 3.30pm.
The lights will be officially switched on at 5pm
Brierley Hill Christmas Light Switch On
When: Saturday, November 22
Brierley Hill will be getting into the spirit of Christmas with live music on the outdoor stage, walkabout acts and fair ground rides on the Moor Centre.
Inside Brierley Hill Market, there will be a free panto performance for all the family to enjoy.
The lights will be officially switched on at 4pm.
Sedgley Christmas Light Switch On
When: Sunday, November 23
Sedgley will be buzzing with festive joy with a gift market, live music and performances on the Vicar Street stage and a free panto, the details of which Dudley Council said are to follow.
The lights will be officially switched on at 6.30pm.
Dudley Christmas Light Switch On
When: Saturday, December 6
Dudley town centre will be getting into the Christmas spirit slightly later than the rest of the borough, on Saturday, December 6.
High Street will be closed from Vicar Street to Union Street for a Christmas gift market.
There will be a stage with live music and entertainment as well as free panto performances hosted at Provision House, more details of which are expected to follow.
The Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 5pm.
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