CHRISTMAS spirit will be arriving in Evesham this weekend as the town Mayor is joined by Postman Pat and Santa Claus to switch on the festive lights.

Events will be in full swing from 11am on Saturday in Evesham as a day of activities and festive fun leads up to the main event at 5.30pm.

It all begins with the charter market in Evesham High Street and Bridge Street and a Christmas Craft Fayre being held in the town hall.

The sound of the sleigh will be heard at around 3pm as Father Christmas parades up Bridge Street into Market Place where he and his reindeer will spend the afternoon.

Throughout the day Postman Pat will be visiting the Riverside Centre for photo opportunities at 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

Then at 5.30pm the lights turn on will take place as Postman Pat makes his way to join the Mayor and Father Christmas as they flip the switch and light up the town.

To end the day there will be a fireworks extravaganza and an evening complete with a rock and roll Christmas singalong and mulled wine.

Mayor of Evesham, councillor Charlie Homer, said he was looking forward to the event.

"I am very much looking forward to it," he said. "I think it signals the start of Evesham's Christmas and that the town is open. There are new experiences for people to come and shop."

Deputy Mayor Cllr Fred Kaler added: "I think it's a great event. It's something that people look forward to every year, both adults and youngsters. It's a means of people meeting together, shopping and talking and feeling good about themselves."

Evesham's festive fun will continue into December with the traditional market running from December 1 until 14.

And on December 6 the Evesham Rotary Club's 90 foot tall tree of light will be illuminated in memory of loved ones that cannot be here this Christmas.

For more information visit eveshamtown.co.uk.