When and where to see the Christmas lights switch ons across the Black Country and Staffordshire

The annual big Christmas lights switch on is the definitive signal that festivities are underway, bringing beautiful light to bleak winter scenery.

Thousands are expected to attend Wolverhampton's event, taking place at the Market Square on November 26.

Families and friends will be able to soak up the festive spirit around the mini-market and funfair with Christmas tunes playing on the Wulfruna Steam Organ while pop stars grace the big screen.

The fun-packed evening will crescendo at 6.30pm with the lights switch on heralded by a breath-taking firework display.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Mike Heap will be joined by Wolves stars Kevin McDonald and Matt Doherty, as well as television actor Joe Tracini, to switch on the lights.

In Wednesfield the big switch on will take place in the town's High Street at 5pm on November 27. The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Mike Heap will do the honours, while Father Christmas is also due to attend the ceremony. Entertainment will be provided by the Signal 107.7 radio roadshow from 4pm onwards.

The format will be the same for the Bilston lights switch-on, which takes place in Church Street at 5pm on November 28.

In Bilbrook Second World War veteran George Hill, aged 89, will switch on the lights at 7.30pm on November 28.

Families, shoppers and traders from Dudley are being urged to get into the seasonal spirit on November 22.

The fun kicks off at 12 noon in Stone Street Square and the Churchill Shopping Centre with live entertainment, free funfair rides, vintage steam engines and of course Father Christmas.

Crazy dance act Granny Turismo will zip about the town with their wacky shopping trolleys and entertain the crowds ahead of the big count down.

Dudley's Mayor, Councillor Margaret Aston together with Father Christmas will start the official countdown and switch the lights on at 5pm.

Dudley Council organises a number of Christmas events to help draw in shoppers and boost footfall for the towns, with lights also being switched on in Stourbridge on November 29 and Brierley Hill on December 6.

Staffordshire residents can take part in what promises to be a magical day with the launch of Stafford's Big Christmas Switch On Show.

A fully rounded day of entertainment will keep visitors glued to the stage all day,

The show will include performances from live band The Cartoon Kings and ABBA tribute act Swede Dreamz, as well as a firework display.

The Big Christmas light switch on at 5.00pm will be extra special this year, as part of commemorating the First World War centenary.

Staffordshire Borough Council are asking for a local serviceman or woman to be special guests and turn on their Christmas lights, alongside Stafford Borough Mayor, Councillor Ray Sutherland.

Sandwell's Mayor will be joined by Santa in a fun-filled family Christmas lights switch-on in Blackheath.

Mayor Councillor Derek Rowley will officially switch the lights on in Blackheath town centre on Saturday 22 November at 6pm.

Lots of family fun is lined up during the day with entertainers, a funfair and stalls selling festive gifts from 3-7pm.

Blackheath ukulele group Strummers, Rowley Area Band, Rowley Hall Children's Choir and St Michael's Brass Band will entertain the crowds as well as performances from Coneygre Performing Arts.

Councillor Barbara Price, Rowley Regis town lead member, said: "I hope lots of people will come along and get into the festive spirit as well as support traders at our lights switch-on."

A Tree of Light, in memory of loved ones, will also light up, with all donations going to Macmillan Cancer Research.