CORONATION Street’s David Platt – otherwise known as actor Jack P Shepherd – will be lighting up Stourbridge this festive season, as he turns on the town centre’s Christmas illuminations.

The Corrie star has been booked to appear at Chicagos in the town's Ryemarket on Friday December 2 and Saturday December 3 to meet and greet fans - and afterwards he'll be switching on Stourbridge's festive lights at 5pm following a day of entertainment.

From 10am there will be funfair rides on Market Street and live entertainment on stages in Crown Square and Fountain Square.

The town centre is also hosting the biggest ever Christmas craft market on High Street and Coventry Street, with traders selling everything from Christmas decorations to festive sweets, savoury treats to stocking fillers.

Children can join Father Christmas in his grotto – which will be based inside the Ryemarket Shopping Centre – from 11am until 4pm.

On the same day, Brierley Hill’s lights will also be switched on, with plenty of activities for people to do.

From 11am until 2pm, St Michael’s Church is hosting their Christmas tree festival and craft fayre, while the Moor Centre will host a Teenage Market, where young people are hosting stalls selling a wide range of goods.

Entertainers will be on stage throughout the day, including performances by Bromley Primary School and Brierley Hill Musical Theatre. Throughout the town there will be a trail in local businesses of handmade woollen sheep from the nativity story.

A craft fair will be at Brierley Hill Civic Hall from 1pm until 4pm where Father Christmas will also be present in his grotto. A carol concert at the Civic Hall starts at 6pm.

But from 4.30pm, Brierley Hill Musical Theatre will lead carols in the run up to the lights switch-on at 5pm which will be carried out by the Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, and Father Christmas.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: “The local communities in our towns have embraced Christmas celebrations this year and the council is happy to be supporting them.

“There is something for everyone at each event and hopefully as they are spread across the borough people will be able to make it along to one near them.

“The communities have worked really hard to pull the lights switch-on events together and I hope people will show their support and go along and get in the festive spirit.”

  • Tickets to meet and greet Jack P Shepherd at Chicagos on Friday December 2 (over 18s only) are £6 on the door or available online in advance from http://www.chicagosbars.co.uk/stourbridge/events.
  • Under 18s can meet the Coronation Street star during a meet and greet on Saturday afternoon (December 3) from around 3.30pm. Doors open at midday and admission is free.