HUGE crowds are expected to turn out in Great Malvern on Saturday, December 4, for the town’s festive lights switch-on event.

A 30-foot Christmas tree, donated by Leigh Sinton Farm and Nurseries, now takes pride of place in Belle Vue Island ahead of the big day.

Nick Beard, of the Leigh Sinton business, said he was delighted to help bring a festive feel to Malvern.

“We just thought it would be a nice thing to do for the town,” he said. “We’re a local business and Malvern is our nearest town, so its nice to be able to support it.”

The Norwegian spruce was hoisted into place using a crane on Monday (November 29) and been decorated this week. Its lights will be switched on by Malvern Theatres panto star Toyah Wilcox at 5.30pm on Saturday.

But before the big switch-on there will be plenty going on throughout the day to keep people of all ages entertained.

Art, craft and food markets starting from 9am and there is a packed programme of music, dance and street entertainers in the town centre throughout the day.

Other attractions include a mobile farm in the grounds of Malvern Library and a climbing wall in Abbey Road, both from noon until 5pm.

At 5.15pm, just before the lights switch-on, a procession featuring a lantern parade, stilt walkers, dancers and samba band will make their way from Grange Road and up Church Street towards Belle Vue Island.

Chris Marks, of Great Malvern Association of Traders, hopes the event will once again attract a good turnout.

“There will be lots going on and a really festive feel,” he said.

For full details of what is happening and where visit christmasinmalvern.co.uk.