THE countdown to Christmas started on Monday when the town’s Christmas tree was installed on Belle Vue island.

And the lights will be switched on during the Great Malvern Christmas Festival which starts tomorrow (Saturday) at 10am.

There will be lots on offer for visitors to enjoy, from vintage cars, dancers and circus stilt walkers to face painters, bell ringers and craft workshops.

Children will have the chance to meet Santa in his grotto at the library between 10am and 3pm.

The parade will start at 5.40pm and will feature children’s lanterns, Malvern Theatre’s panto celebrities, Dance in Motion and a snow machine.

Live music will be provided throughout the day by the Malvern St James Choir, Mike Skilbeck, Malvern Area Music String Orchestra, Malvern Chase Brass Band and Malvern Hills District Brass Band.

An arts and food market will be held from 10.30am to 6.30pm in the priory grounds and Abbey Road. Handmade cakes and crafts from Malvern County Market will also be available in the Lyttelton Rooms.

The festival has been organised by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Town Council, Worcestershire County Council, BBC Hereford and Worcester and Boffy Arts Markets.

The tree was once again a gift to the town from Leigh Sinton Christmas Trees and the lights were installed for free by electrical contractor Andy Box.

David Chambers of the district council said: “It’s that time of year again when we start the countdown to Christmas and we have an abundance of fun activities, delicious food and unique gifts on offer.

"We look forward to seeing visitors enjoying all the festive delights and celebrate the local talent we are lucky to have in Malvern.”