Crowds gather as Christmas lights turned on across region

From Santa hats to brass bands booming there was plenty to keep people entertained.

Around 300 people turned out in Bilston to see the town's Christmas light switch-on.

Pupils from Bilston Church of England School and Loxdale Primary School joined the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal and MP for Wolverhampton South East Pat McFadden to turn on the lights on Friday evening.

Even Santa made an appearance ahead of a busy few weeks before the big day next month.

Visitors were treated to a Christmas market as well as bouncy castles and fair rides on a chilly night.

Manjit Purewal, aged 33, from Bilston, was there with her children Sukhjit, aged six and Rumneek, aged four.

She said: "This is the first time that I have been to see the lights switched-on in Bilston and it's really good. It has really got the kids excited for Christmas and they keep asking me when Santa is coming."

A mammoth crowd of more than 2,500 people gathered in Tettenhall for their annual celebration on Saturday. People of all ages watched as the night sky was lit up with thousands of white lights draped through the trees of Upper Green.

The village put on its customary show to keep the crowd entertained, which this year featured performances from the City of Wolverhampton Choir and the city's brass band.

Robin Morrison, vice-president of Rotary Club of Tettenhall and head of the organising committee, said: "This is a real community event where young and old alike can enjoy themselves, as well as raising vital funds for various charities."

In Dudley, more than 100 people descended upon the Market Place as singing and dancing heralded the switching on of the Christmas lights for the festive season.

In Stafford, thousands gathered to watch this year's festive display being switched on.

The button was pressed on Saturday by inspirational 11-year-old Orla Fielder from Penkridge, who won a borough council-run competition to turn the lights on.

Festivities took place throughout the day, with a Santa Parade kicking everything off. There was also an array of marching bands, festive floats and street entertainers. The lights were switched on at 5pm and that was followed by a fireworks display from the roof of the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

Stafford Mayor, Councillor Angela Loughran, was at the switch on. She said: "It was an excellent day and the town was very busy. "It was lovely to see so many children enjoying themselves. The Santa Parade was a massive success. We had lots of floats taking part. Little Orla had a great day."

Orla was diagnosed with leukaemia last year and has since helped raise £4,000 for charity.

Hednesford also celebrated its Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday. There were stalls selling gifts and food, and fairground rides running for youngsters, as well as live music.