COMMUNITY groups in the town are being urged to take part in a special Christmas Parade.

As part of this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On, organisers are looking for charities, organisations and community groups to take part in an opening parade, accompanied by acrobatic elves, stilt walkers and ballerinas.

Lyndsey Berry, from North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “Come and be part of the 'Greatest Christmas' parade!

"We’re looking for local groups to join us as we switch the Christmas lights on in town.

"It’s a really special event for all of the groups, performers, organisers and of course the visitors and it’s a great way of promoting what a wide variety of groups there are in the town and the magnificent work they do. So sign up to be a part of the event today and help us put community spirit into the festive period.”

This year the switch on event will take place on Saturday, November 23 with the parade kicking off the festivities at 3.30pm from the town hall.

The event will include music and entertainment from local performers at Church Green, a performance from the Shaun Paul Smith Dance Academy, and headline act of the afternoon - The Greatest Show Performance.

Father Christmas will switch on the Christmas Lights at 5.30pm.

To enquire about taking part in the parade, email towncentre@redditchandbromsgrove.gov.uk.