BEWDLEY residents will be lining the streets next month when the town's Christmas lights are switched on to start the countdown to the festive season.
Thousands are expected to fill Bewdley's streets on Saturday, December 2, for a fun-packed day filled with entertainment for the whole family.
Following the success of last year, organisers Bewdley Town Council are turning back the time for a Victorian Christmas event, alongside the annual lights switch-on.
Victorian Christmas in Bewdley will kick off at 11am with a craft and charity market along Severnside North and South. A number of shops in Bewdley town centre are expected to stay open later during the festivities.
Entertainment will start at 2pm with performances from local choirs, bands and groups, along with street entertainers performing throughout the event.
There will also be children's carriage rides around the town with Father Christmas, a charity market in St Anne's Church, a Victorian carousel in Load Street car park and a free screening of Despicable Me 3 in St George's Hall from 2pm.
A lantern parade will start in Severnside South at around 4.30pm, before heading to Jubilee Gardens, through Bewdley Tourist Information Centre before assembling in Load Street for the big event - the Christmas lights switch-on - at 5.30pm.
The finale will be a performance by Apollo Soul from 5.45pm until 7pm.
Kyle Daisley, community engagement and events officer, said: "We have expanded on the event from last year after listening to visitors' feedback. We felt last year had a real community feel and it encouraged people to visit Bewdley again on another day.
"We were pleased with how many people got involved last year and we had between 6,000 to 8,000 people attend on the day
"There will be a Victorian theme throughout and there will be something for all the family.
"Everyone is welcome to take part in the lantern parade - we ask that they are battery operated lights, and no naked flames."
A free park and ride facility by Dial-A-Ride will be running from Bewdley High School between 11am and 7.30pm.
Load Street, Severnside South and North will be closed to traffic between 9am and 9pm on the day.
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