Shrewsbury Christmas lights countdown to return

Shrewsbury is to get its big countdown to the annual Christmas lights switch-on this year.

The ceremony in the Square is to be reinstated following demand from townspeople after being dropped last year. It will form the centrepiece of the launch of late-night shopping in the town at the end of November.

Phil Freeman, chairman of Shop in the Loop, said he was keen to keep on improving the event.

He said: "We have listened to the public and the switch-on will be more dramatic this year."

Organisers have secured £1,600 from the Shrewsbury-wide Local Joint Committee to put on this year's event.

The cash will pay for a children's lantern parade. Music in the Square will also return this year.