Bah humbug! Ebenezer Scrooge will be visiting Stourbridge on Saturday for the big Christmas lights switch-on.

But even his presence will not be able to dampen the mood as thousands are set to turn out to celebrate the official start of the festive period in the town.

A sprinkle of stardust will see TV’s Antony Cotton, best known for playing Sean Tully in Coronation Street, switch the lights on and meet and greet fans. It comes after fellow Corrie actor Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt, drew huge crowds for the event last year.

Antony will be joined on official duties by the lucky winner of a Facebook competition run by Dudley Council this week, asking residents to enter by correctly identifying where elves Eric and Erica have been pictured in the town.

Local theatre company Parable Arts will be putting on a scene from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in the High Street. The group is performing the classic tale at the Bonded Warehouse this Friday and Saturday, and on December 15 and 16.

Black Country Radio will be broadcasting throughout the day, with entertainment from 11am to 5pm including a Christmas market, children’s rides, live music from local artists and choirs, and face painting. Car parking will be free throughout the day at all council-owned car parks. Jamie Whittingham, general manager at Chicagos, said:

“We're excited to have Antony join us as part of the festivities this year, after the success of Jack P Shepherd's visit 12 months ago. 

“It's clear the Black Country love Corrie and we can't wait to welcome such a fan favourite to Stourbridge to kick-start Christmas! I'd also like to extend a huge thank you to the sponsors of the day, without whom none of this could have happened.”

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, added:

“We’ve got a fun-packed family day planned to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights in Stourbridge, which will formally mark the start of the festive season in the town. We would urge people to come along for a great day out.”