ALL the people of Dudley are being invited to celebrate the special Festival of Spice and Light this evening (November 27).

From 6.30pm, Top Church in Vicar Street will host the Christmas bonanza at the heart of Dudley's community to celebrate the town's past, present and future.

There will be a collection of market stalls in the church, encouraging local trade over the evening and letting people go home with presents for Christmas, while there will also be a Christmas tree competition, with decorated firs covering the aisles of the church.

The Rev Canon Andrew Wickens, vicar of St Thomas, said: “I'm really pleased that Top Church, which has been part of Dudley's historic heritage ever since the castle was built, is able to put on this great event for everyone in Dudley town.

“I think it's going to be a brilliant evening, and I hope to see a good number of people there.”

Doors open to the free event at St Thomas from 6.30pm and visitors will be able to have a hot dog and drink on filling in a voucher.