DUDLEY will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a new annual Christmas event featuring markets, live music and Santa.

The newly-formed Dudley Town Centre Partnership will host the free event, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday December 14, which aims to bring the community together and support local businesses.

The Dudley Christmas Market and Fun Day, in the High Street, will include holiday music and market stalls selling handcrafted goods, seasonal treats and street food, plus an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

The initiative is part of a broader mission to support the regeneration of the town centre, provide valuable opportunities for local businesses, and inspire residents to shop locally.

The upper part of Dudley High Street will be closed from Provision House to Barclays Bank for the event to take place, allowing for up to 40 market stalls on the day, with road diversions and management in place with Dudley Council to direct traffic to local parking.

Santa Claus will be in his sleigh at the Churchill Shopping Centre to meet families and share the Christmas spirit.

There’ll be live Christmas music and performances by local artists across two stages in the town centre, including Birmingham’s Heavy Beat Brass band Street performers will also roam the streets.

For more information check out the event Facebook page https://fb.me/e/7HMgDbC7F

Julie Holden, community director at Save The High Street - a lead partner in forming the Dudley Town Centre Partnership, said: “Christmas is a key trading period for most high street businesses and also a time for community and celebration.

“The Partnership is thrilled to bring the festive spirit to Dudley’s town centre, to help boost footfall and to bring people together.

“With our Christmas event, we aim to create a festive experience that not only brings joy to the people of Dudley but also supports the local businesses that make our town unique. Beyond the event, people can expect to hear much more about Dudley businesses, thanks to a newly launched ‘Shop Dudley’ website which will showcase what’s on offer all through the year.”

Gurdeep Dosanjh, director at Specsavers Dudley and a member of the Partnership’s Steering Group, added: “It’s an opportunity to give back to local business owners and residents, creating a festive celebration we can all enjoy together.”