THE festive season in Malvern got off to a flying start on Saturday when hundreds crowded into the town centre for the Christmas lights switch-on.

Doing the honours this year were panto stars Any Thompson and Chris Pizzey, who will be the stars of Sleeping Beauty at Malvern Theatres over Christmas.

The switch-on itself was preceded by the traditional lantern parade up Church Street, where crowds gathered in front of Belle Vue island.

Once again, BBC Hereford and Worcester led the entertainment, which included performances by the Malvern Rock Choir and Malvern St James Junior Choir, plus a host of other local musicians.

The switch-on itself came as the climax of a whole day of events, with Church Street and Abbey Road closed off to traffic.

Vintage car enthusiasts brought their gleaming machines to town to allow them to be admired by passers-by.

And Priory churchyard hosted a craft fair where a wide variety of makers displayed their wares.

Among the stallholders was Teresa Keminer of Malvern, who makes candle holders from birch sourced through local coppicing, and browses the woodlands for pine cones and acorns to make her wreaths and other ornaments.

She said: "Some things I buy in, but most of what I use I find myself."

Kate Weager was selling silver-plated and sterling silver jewellery made of of cutlery by her partner Ian Charles. She said: "It's a brilliant market. It's really lovely being right here beside the Priory."

Jewellery designer Ria Poynton had a stall displaying some of her handmade work. She said: "It's quite a busy market. You get a lot of people coming here."

At the Lyttelton Rooms, Carol Sargent of Elmley Close was selling pickles, cakes and sausage rolls, all made in her own kitchen. She said: "I think people like something home-made for a change."

Up in Abbey Road, artisan food makers were doing a brisk trade in everything from sausages to fudge to cider, with shoppers stocking up for Christmas.

Other attractions around the town centre included the market at Malvern Cube at Albert Road North and the open day at the headquarters of charity ARCOS in Avenue Road.

And of course no seasonal event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus, who could be found in his grotto at Great Malvern Library, with a line of parents and children waiting to see him, while outside youngsters were entertained by a Victorian carousel and a bouncy slide.