This weekend Lichfield turns all festive with the return of the annual Christmas festival so why not join in all of the festivities and start your Christmas this weekend in Lichfield & remember if you take part in the Christmas Shopping Crawl you can win £1000.

On Saturday 15 December, from 10am to 4pm, visitors can stock up on gifts from Lichfield Market on the city’s Market Square. They can also enjoy a glass of mulled wine and to listen to festive music from Cannock Salvation Army Band.

For children there will be free face painting, a festive market trail, and a visit from Father Christmas on the Market Square.

Then the whole family can join in when the Walsall Operatic Society sing carols from 2pm.

A Christmas through the Ages walking tour is also running at 2pm. Tour goers will be led through Lichfield to find out about Christmases past and then onto The George Hotel for festive refreshments. The tour costs £4.50 a ticket and needs to be booked in advance at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre in the Lichfield Garrick or by calling the team on 01543 412112.

Erasmus Darwin House is opening for free, from 10am to 4pm, with Georgian festivities including stalls, a tea room, cakes and gifts.

Then, from 4pm to 6pm, The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is hosting A Georgian Family Christmas, featuring festive music, storytelling and activities for all the family. The afternoon event costs £5 for adults, which includes refreshments, and is free for children.

On Sunday 16 December, from 10am to 4pm, pick up your festive gifts and delicious local produce at Lichfield Chamber of Trade and Commerce Christmas Fayre and Lichfield Christmas Farmers' Market.

There will also be live music and dancing, free face painting and a festive market trail on Lichfield Market Square.

The Lichfield Mysteries will perform The Nativity at 2pm, followed by a Kings and Angels fancy dress competition at 2.45pm for children who would like to come to the festival in costume.

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “For many, this annual weekend event is when the festive season really starts. So, remember to come to Lichfield on 15 and 16 December to stock up on gifts, be entertained by festive performances, take part in free family activities, and get that Christmas feeling.”

For more information, go to www.visitlichfield.co.uk/christmasfestival