ChRISTMAS spirits are high in Worcester city centre today as it as a host of festive delights and entertainment to welcome the big day is underway.

From sparkling LED dancers and carol singers to a penguin family and magical acrobatic performances in a giant snow globe, shoppers will have the chance to get into the Christmas spirit as a series of free entertainment will be available in Worcester city centre until the big day.

Today visitors can look forward to meeting a penguin family and seeing enchanting performances by LED dancers throughout the city centre.

Live music sessions by the Elgar School of Music and a variety of up and coming local bands will be providing a festive atmosphere from 10am to 4pm at High Street, The Shambles, Angel Place and CrownGate’s Performance Corner.

A special Christmas shop window will be created at a former coffee shop unit in Pump Street, where people can view local artists creating a Worcester themed mural live on Saturday.

Visitors of all ages can also have some fun with seasonal props when taking free photos at the ‘Christmas in Worcester’ photo booth, which will be located at Reindeer Court from 10am to 4pm.

Nadja von Dahlen, Marketing & Events Manager at Worcester BID, said "We are delighted that the diverse festive entertainment programme is proving to be so popular with businesses, locals and visitors alike. It’s all about making the Christmas shopping experience in Worcester a truly memorable treat and we have plenty more exciting entertainment coming up to make people want to return to the city to shop, eat and play this Christmas and beyond"

Upcoming entertainment on Thursday will include free shadow puppetry theatre performances for children and festive live music.

On Saturday, December 19,the ‘Tap it & Unwrap it’ walkabout act, a shadow puppetry workshop and magical performances by acrobats in a giant snow globe will provide a cheerful atmosphere for shoppers in Worcester.

At CrownGate’s Friary Walk youngsters can also enjoy story time with Father Christmas, every Thursday to Sunday, and participate in the nutcracker trail.

Festive shoppers can take advantage of £1 parking at CrownGate Shopping Centre car park every day from 5pm. At Worcester City Council car parks parking is free of charge after 6pm on Thursday evenings up to and including Christmas Eve. On Sundays (up to and including Sunday 20th December) people will be able to pay for two hours and get the rest of the day free at Worcester City Council’s car parks.

For further parking offers and entertainment go to christmasinworcester.com or visit #ChristmasInWorcester on social media.