Christmas events in Wolverhampton
In this, the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, the people of Wolverhampton have already shown the power of community spirit.
Huge crowds gathered for the Jubilee Tribute in West Park and on the streets when the Olympic Torch passed through.
And crowds can gather together again this Christmas to finish off a great year in style, leaving everyone feeling joyful and triumphant.
Wolverhampton Light Switch-On
Wednesday, November 21, Market Square, Wolverhampton, 5pm-7pm
Free Radio's Fresh and Cat play host in Market Square to Wolverhampton's light switch-on.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton accompanied by SpongeBob SquarePants, panto star Sherrie Hewson (Loose Women and Benidorm) and Santa will join the fun.
Nearby, mini fairground rides for the kids will be serenaded by a vintage organ to introduce the beginning of this year's festivities.
The Mayor will perform the switch-on at 6.30pm and the sky will be further illuminated by a spectacular firework display from the roof of Beatties, then The Mayor, SpongeBob and Santa will jump in their sleigh to lead a real reindeer parade from Market Square, along Salop Street, up Victoria Street.
SpongeBob will alight at Beatties to open its Santa Grotto, then The Mayor and Santa will continue to The Mander Centre to open its grotto.
Wednesfield Light Switch-On
Thursday, November 22, High Street, Wednesfield, 4pm-5.30pm
Signal 107 Radio Roadshow plays host in Wednesfield High Street from 4pm, then London 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Kristian Thomas joins Tessa Sanderson, The Mayor and Santa to switch on the lights at 5pm.
Festive tunes will be played by a vintage organ.
Tettenhall Light Switch-On
Friday, November 23, Upper Green, Tettenhall, 5pm-6.30pm
Hosted by Signal 107 Radio Roadshow on Upper Green, Tettenhall from 5pm.
At 6.30pm The Mayor and Santa switch on the lights.
Festive tunes will be played by a vintage organ.
Bilston Light Switch-On
Saturday, November 24, Town Hall, Bilston, 4pm-5.30pm
Signal 107 Radio Roadshow host proceedings in Bilston from 4pm.
Festive tunes played by a vintage organ will serenade shoppers at Bilston's Christmas Market. At 5pm The Mayor and Santa switch on the lights.
It's Christmas Steam Festival
Saturday, December 1, Market Square, Wolverhampton
Steam engines and miniature steam train rides will add to the misty winter air asThomas the Tank Engine and Fat Controller and Wallace & Gromit * keep the kids entertained in Market Square and Dudley Street respectively.
Brass bands will serenade shoppers.
It's Christmas – Fire Festival
Saturday, December 8, Queen Square, Wolverhampton
Signal 107 Radio play host while modern and vintage fire engines park up in Queen Square. Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig* will be around to keep the kids entertained in Dudley Street. Brass bands will serenade shoppers.
It's Christmas – Live Nativity
Saturday, December 15, Queen Square & Dudley Street, Wolverhampton
Signal 107 Radio play host while a live nativity is performed in Queen Square with real camels and donkeys. Sid and Scrat (Ice Age)* will be around keep the kids entertained in Dudley Street. Brass bands will serenade shoppers.
It's Christmas – Shopping Finale
Saturday, December 22, Queen Square, Wolverhampton
Signal 107 Radio play host while the people of Wolverhampton go about their last Saturday of Christmas shopping. Pingu and Postman Pat* will be around keep the kids entertained in Dudley Street as brass bands serenade shoppers.
* Characters will make personal appearances at various intervals throughout the day.
