TODAY Christmas officially begins in Droitwich and with a host of festive treats on offer this year it's certainly going to be a day to remember.

With a host of music, stalls, Santa's grotto, Christmas tree festival and much more, the day-long Droitwich Spa Christmas Lights Switch On event kicks off from 10am.

The at 4.30pm in Victoria Square the town's mayor will illuminate the Christmas lights, heralding in the festive season.

Councillor Graham Beale, mayor, said: "We are hoping that the weather is going to be fine. Christmas is always exciting, especially for the children, and shops have done a good job at making it look Christmassy.

"At the end of the day, people like Christmas and we are starting just at the end of November.

"I think it is all a case of people coming together, people coming to see it and enjoy themselves."

Cllr Beale will be in the town centre from 11am, wandering around the many attractions available to enjoy on the day.

From 10am to 5pm a farmer's market will run in Victoria Square, while a host of festive fun is on offer at the Tourist Information Centre from 10am to 4pm.

Santa will be in his grotto at St Richard's House from 10am until the evening, although he will be taking a short break from meeting youngsters with their Christmas lists from 4.15pm to 4.45pm.

Throughout the day Wilson's funfair will run in Victoria Square, while performances by St Richard's Hospice and Norbury Theatre Choir will provide musical accompaniment from 4pm to 5pm.

At St Andrews Shopping Centre from 1.30pm to 2pm the Salvation Army Band will be playing Christmas carols for shoppers, while at St Andrew's Church a colourful Christmas Tree Festival will fill the hall from 5.15pm to 6pm.

The Droitwich Community Choir and Lighthouse Puppets will perform at the tree festival too.

Meanwhile food and music lovers can enjoy a variety of Christmas treats in Saltbarrow Market, with a real ale bar, pig roast and entertainment from 11.30am until the evening.

On offer in the market are songs from Westacre Middle School Choir (11.30am), Droitwich Rock Choir (11.50am), the Salvation Army Band (2.30pm), Macmillan Balloon Launch (3.30pm), Wilf's Carnival Band (4.45pm) and Louise Roberts from 6pm to 9pm.

And in the High Street a Dickensian Christmas market is taking place with trade and community stalls, food and drink, window displays and a host of street entertainment.

After the day's events the Christmas Market in Victoria Square will open daily from Tuesday, December 8 to 13 from 9am to 6pm.

The market will be officially opened by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roy Murphy, at 10.30am on Tuesday, December 8 assisted by the outrageous Madame Dolores Lilly Chantilly Tres Jolie, from the Norbury Theatre’s Christmas panto - Beauty and the Beast.

On Saturday, December 12 there will be free car parking in the afternoon.

Beauty and the Beast kicks off at the Norbury Theatre on Friday, January 8 and runs until Saturday, January 23.

For details call the box office 01905 770154 or visit the website norburytheatre.co.uk