THE Christmas season in Great Malvern gets under way in style on Saturday with the official switch-on of the town's lights.

Crowds are expected to gather in Church Street to see panto stars Mark Moraghan and Andrew Agnew press the button at 6pm to light up the Christmas tree on Belle Vue Island and the decorations throughout the town.

Both are appearing in Peter Pan at Malvern Theatres over the festive season, with Mark playing dastardly Captain Hook, and Andrew as his trusted mate Smee.

Electrical work on the island finished just in time to allow the erection of the tree on Monday, donated to the town by Nick Beard of Leigh Sinton Christmas Trees, and the installation of the lights by Malvern Town Council’s electrical contractor Andrew Box.

And preceding the switch-on tomorrow evening will be a jam-packed day of events which is not to be missed.

The smell of mulled wine, seasonal treats, and spices from the food market on Abbey Road will fill the air, and Father Christmas will be at his grotto from 10am at the library, where other attractions will include a Victorian fairground ride, a bouncy castle, food and gift stalls, face-painting, and children’s crafts.

A range of art and craft stalls will fill the Priory churchyard from 10.30am. and the church itself will be hosting live music from the Witness Choir, bell ringers family stories throughout the day. There will also be free refreshments and children’s activities, and a carol service at 6.15pm.

Festive Songs will fill the air on Belle Vue Island from 12.30pm , including performances from Malvern St James Junior Choir, a steel band, solo singers, and Malvern Rock Choir.

Other entertainment includes the tremendously big and tall Fat Santa, and his equally lofty chum Mr Dandy Doo the Victorian Gent, as well as fairground swings, vintage cars down Church Street, and musicians throughout the town.

Your Malvern Gazette is urging everyone to get involved and make the Great Christmas Festival a success as part of our #VeryMalvern campaign.

Malvern Hills District Council is supporting local businesses by offering free car parking every Friday and Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.