Wolverhampton will be lit up for the festive season later this month as Christmas lights are switched on across the city.

A series of events have been arranged in Wednesfield, Bilston, Tettenhall and the City Centre to mark the start of the festive period.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal will be joined by panto star Joe Pasquale, children's TV star Mike the Knight and Santa in Market Square to turn on the City Centre lights on 27 November.

The event will last between 5pm to 7pm with the Mayor switching on the lights at 6.30pm and Free Radio hosting their road show throughout.

Further entertainment will be provided by traditional carol music being played on a vintage organ, a spectacular firework display from the roof of Beatties and mini fairground rides for children.

The Mayor and Santa will also be performing the light switch ons at Wednesfield, Bilston and Tettenhall. The events, which will all feature Signal 107.7 Radio road show, take place as follows:

  • Wednesfield Light Switch-On: Thursday 21 November, High Street, Wednesfield - 4pm to 6pm
  • Bilston Light Switch-On: Friday 22 November, Town Hall, Bilston - 4pm to 5.30pm
  • Tettenhall Light Switch-On: Saturday 23 November, Upper Green, Tettenhall - 5pm to 7.30pm

A series of concerts have also been arranged across the city throughout December.

These will be:

  • Saturday 7 December - City of Wolverhampton Brass Band - High Street, Bilston from 11.30am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 14 December - Black Country Brass Band - Mander Centre (by CEX) from 11.30am to 1.30pm
  • Saturday 14 Dec - Community Carol Concert at St. Peter's Church from 12.30pm to 2pm
  • Saturday 21 Dec - West Midlands Concert Band - Mander Centre (by CEX) from 11.30am to 1.30pm

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The switch on events are great occasions that will really help get the whole city into the Christmas spirit.

"There will be plenty of fun entertainment for the whole family to enjoy so I would encourage everyone to pop along and join in the fun."

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal said: "I am very much looking forward to helping light up the city for Christmas.

"These switch on events signal the start of the festive celebrations across Wolverhampton and it is an honour to be a part of it this year."

People will also be able to take advantage of late night shopping in the city centre throughout December. Shops will be open until 9pm every Wednesday from 27 November to 18 December and every weekday from 17 to 21 December.

They will be open until 7pm every weekday from 9 December, as well as Saturday 14 and 21 December. Sunday trading will see shops open from 10.30am and 4.30pm while Christmas Eve will see them trade until 5.30pm.

There is free evening parking at some council run car parks and on street.

  • released: Wednesday 20 November, 2013