Great Malvern’s Christmas tree is in place and ready for the town’s big lights switch-on this weekend.

The tree, which has been donated by Leigh Sinton Farms and Nurseries, has been installed on Belle Vue Island by Malvern Town Council and dressed by the council’s lighting contractor ALB Services.

The lights will be switched on at 6pm on Saturday, November 26, after a lantern parade featuring local school children has made its way to the tree from the bottom of Church Street.

The honour of switching on the Christmas lights will fall to Mark James, one of the stars of this year’s pantomime at Malvern Theatres.

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He’ll be joined by Malvern mayor Nick Houghton and Father Christmas, who will be stopping by on his way back to the North Pole.

Ahead of the official switch on, there will be a day packed full of festive activities organised by Malvern Town Council, in partnership with Malvern Hills District Council and Boffy Events and Markets.

The day starts at 10am with Father Christmas arriving at Malvern Library.

Families are invited to come along and meet him and his elves, with the last entrance to his grotto at 3.30pm.

Christmas fun in Malvern ahead of lights switch-on

There are free activities in the library including storytelling, dance workshops, musical performances, and the return of the very friendly and popular polar bear.

Peeler the police dog will also make an appearance at the library, give him a friendly wave if you see him.

There will be plenty of activities within Great Malvern town centre, where there will be an arts and food market, street entertainers and musicians around the town, BBC Hereford & Worcester’s stage on Belle Vue Island from 2.30pm, vintage cars, morris dancers as well as a children’s ride and the Guide Dog charity stall outside the Post Office.

The mayor’s chosen charity this year is Guide Dogs and funds raised on the day will be added to the Mayor’s Charity appeal.

There will be several Guide Dogs in attendance who will not be working and so would welcome you to come and say hello.