Smiles and snow at Stourbridge lights event
There was plenty of smiles - and even snow - as thousands turned out to see the Christmas lights switched on in Stourbridge.
Market stalls lined the High Street giving visitors the chance to browse for gifts.
There were also vintage steam engines, a food festival and free funfair rides.
There was entertainment in the square outside the Crown Centre, including performances by The Empty Can - the band behind the Black Country Anthem - and singers from Halesowen-based Startime Variety.
Father Christmas joined Chairman of Stourbridge's chamber of trade, David Harcourt, to countdown from 10 before lighting up the Christmas tree at the top of the High Street.
There were cheers from the crowd as an artificial snow machine added to the festive spirit with youngsters dancing around as it fell including four-year-old Isabelle Harris.
Mr Harcourt, who organised the event with Dudley Council and the Ryemarket Shopping Centre, thanked the crowds for turning out and described it as a 'fantastic day'.
"I've never seen quite so many people in Stourbridge at Christmas time before. I hope everybody has had a good time," he added.
Catering manager Sarah Jenkins, aged 37, from Oldswinford took her two sons - four-year-old Charlie and three-year-old Aaron.
"It's the first time we've been to a Christmas lights switch on and I was amazed by how many people came in to town. There was a lovely atmosphere despite it being a bit cold.
"Everyone seemed to be getting into the spirit of all and the carol singers were fantastic."
Dudley Council had offered free parking in the town after 4pm in a bid to encourage people into the town.
Christmas lights were also switched on in Old Hill where there was an Elvis Presley impersonator entertaining the crowds and music from the Cradley Heath Salvation Army Band.
Celebrations also took place at New Square shopping centre in West Bromwich and in Tettenhall, near Wolverhampton, where around 5,000 people descended on the village.
Next weekend it will be Brierley Hill's turn with festivities taking place in the town on Saturday.
At St Michael's Church families can enjoy a Christmas tree festival from 11am-2pm with refreshments, stalls and decorated trees galore.
There will also be a Christmas panto trail in Brierley Hill High Street from 10-3.30pm. Panto signs will be hidden around the town for the eagle-eyed to spot.
The town's lights will officially be switched on at 5pm from the Moor Centre.
