Bosses at Stafford's biggest shopping attraction have put together a packed schedule for the next few weeks as the festive season approaches.

The Guildhall Shopping Centre's Christmas programme kicks off with Stafford's Christmas Lights Switch-On, on November 20th, which features a carnival procession of marching bands, costume characters, floats, and guest of honour Father Christmas and real, live reindeer!

A 40ft stage and big screen will be erected in Market Square, with singing, dancing, competitions and demonstrations organised in the run-up to the switch-on at 5pm.

After the switch-on, there will be a hug e fireworks display launched from the roof of the shopping centre.

This will be followed by entertainment from a jazz trio (Nov 27th), a musical nun (Dec 4th), the Christmas Present Elves (Dec 18th), and even a polar bear called Bjorn (Dec 11th)!

The centre's Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: "With less than 70 shopping days until Christmas we wanted to announce our most entertaining and packed festive schedule ever.

"I am most looking forward to Bjorn the Polar Bear's appearance on December 11th - he visited the Guildhall last year and was so popular we had to invite him back.

"We're sure it will be a Christmas to remember at the Guildhall this year!"

Longer opening hours have also been announced to help shoppers looking for last minute bargains. All shops will be open until 8pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd December.