CHRISTMAS will officially arrive in Upper Gornal this evening, as the community gathers for the lights switch on.

The event kicks off at the Arcade on Kent Street at 4.30pm, with the lights turned on at 6pm by Councillor Hilary Bills, the Deputy Mayor of Dudley and Santa Claus.

The festivities have been organised by Councillor Kieran Casey along with Dave Brownhill from Promarco.

The Black Country Roadshow will also be on hand to entertain the crowds.

Councillor Casey said: "Final preparations are being made for the Christmas Tree and lights switch on this evening in Upper Gornal.

"The event will run between 4.30pm - 7.30pm at the Arcade Shopping Precinct with the lights being officially switched on at 6pm by the Deputy Mayor of Dudley and Santa Claus himself.

"We are going to have a range of great things at the event this year, funfair rides, stalls, Santa's Grotto, Black Country Brass playing our favourite Christmas tunes and a children's choir from St Peter's singing traditional Christmas carols.

"As well as this, Santa's reindeers will actually be making a special visit, meaning that this should be a great community event and will get everyone in the festive mood".

He added: "I want to thank everyone that has helped organise the event this year and for everything they do all year round in the local community, we are so lucky to have so many great people locally willing to give their time to make events like this a success."