Fresh from Lapland (or somewhere similar) reindeer Mistletoe and George will be joining Santa Claus in Walsall next month to help spread some festive cheer at the Manor Hospital’s lights switch-on event.

And these special guests will be joined by cast members from Wyrley Pretenders’ Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime to create a real feelgood family atmosphere.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Chief Executive, Professor David Loughton CBE, will host the event from 3.15pm on Friday 2 December, with the Deputy Mayor of Walsall Councillor Chris Towe in attendance. As well as carol singing and a Christmas blessing led by the Chaplaincy – Spiritual Care Team, mince pies will be served to visitors.

A small Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling seasonal treats and gift ideas will take place from 9am to 5pm that day in the hospital’s main atrium as well as the area near to Costa Coffee at the top of the escalators.

This Christmas treat has been organised through the Trust’s Well Wishers charity once more and Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley said everyone was looking forward to the big day.

“Our lights switch-on is such a special event for the charity as it is a chance for staff, visitors and patients to stop and enjoy a pre-Christmas treat,” she said.

“Mistletoe and George will no doubt delight everyone and we’re really pleased that the Wyrley Pretenders are giving up their time to sing a couple of songs from their panto for us – that will certainly get us in the festive spirit. Well Wishers is also their chosen charity this year so it’s lovely that they can join us.”