Hundreds get the festive feeling in Halesowen

A live stage show with dancers, motorised angels and even an appearance by Santa Claus left families smiling at the event on Saturday.

There was also fairground rides and games laid on before the deputy Mayor of Dudley Councillor Steve Waltho led other dignitaries to push the button.

Members of Halesowen Chamber of Commerce helped organise the event alongside Dudley Council and Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club.

Traders had helped club together to buy new digital lights for a revamped display in the town centre.

Officials say they hope the display will encourage people into the town to shop for presents and food in the run up to Christmas.

New lights were put up along shops and over Hagley Street along with Christmas trees to turn the town into a festive wonderland.

Councillor Waltho said: "It was a fabulous turnout and a wonderful occasion.

"It kickstarts Christmas in the borough as this is the first town centre to have their lights switched on."

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris was also on hand to help turn the lights on alongside chamber of commerce chairman Wayne Edwards.

Mr Morris said: "The chamber of commerce have put a lot into the lights switch on in the town.

"With the success of the Halesowen in Bloom entry earlier this year which brought a lot of activity back to the town. I think they have put in a lot of effort tonight to try and bring more people into town to stimulate growth in the run up to Christmas.

"It is a good partnership between the chamber of commerce and the rotary club as everyone has got an interest in the development of Halesowen and they have made a massive contribution to the success of it.