WATCH: Thousands turn out for Halesowen's Christmas lights switch-on

Christmas was sparked into life in Halesowen as thousands of people attended the town's annual lights switch-on.

Published Nov 17, 2019

Left to right: Hilary Bills, deputy mayor of Dudley, six-year-old Sarah Williams, 10-year-old Pheobe Glover and actor Gregory Piper

The honours were carried out by Line of Duty actor Gregory Piper, 21, who is from also Halesowen.

He was joined on stage by Dudley's deputy mayor Hilary Bills - a Halesowen ward councillor - and local competition winners 10-year-old Pheobe Glover and six-year-old Sarah Williams.

Crowds were treated to a host of entertainment. There was live performances from acts including Bhangra Smash Up and Andy Bennett of Ocean Colour Scene fame. The festive fun also included free children's rides, a Christmas food and craft market and an appearance by Father Christmas.

Entertainment during the switching on of Halesowen Christmas lights

More than 5,000 people attended Somers Square.

Councillor Bills said: "The Christmas countdown has well and truly begun in Halesowen!

"It was a pleasure to join Gregory on stage today, he is a true home-grown talent and our borough is rightly proud of his achievements and notoriety.

Raising money for Rotary Club of Halesowen & Rowley Regis, Jack Hadlington and Pam Arrowsmith, during the switching on of Halesowen Christmas lights..

"The event was really well supported by the residents and I especially want to thank Halesowen BID (Business Improvement District) for making events in the town like this possible."

More events:

Dudley light switch-on takes place Saturday November 23 from 12 noon to 5pm, Brierley Hill’s event is Friday November 29 from 3pm to 6pm and Stourbridge’s event is on Saturday November 30 from 9am to 5pm.