Calthorpe Estates is getting the festive season off to a sparkling start with this year’s Edgbaston Village Christmas lights switch on.

Santa Claus and his helpers will be switching on the lights at St George’s Church, and countdown entertainment will be provided by Capital Radio DJ, Katy Poulsom. Local school choirs will get everyone in the Christmas spirit, and a jazz band will help the evening go with a swing.

To celebrate the big switch on, there will be a special visit from two real-life reindeer, and the restaurants and bars across Edgbaston Village including, The Highfield, The Edgbaston, El Comida and Simpsons, will be offering seasonal tipples and snacks to warm up the November night.

There will also be gourmet food vans, vintage children’s fairground attractions and face painters lining Highfield Road to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever.

The chart topping sensation hits the road with her biggest tour to date! Her debut album went platinum and she’s one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles. Don’t miss it!

Visit www.theticketfactory.com

Embrace the festive spirit at the largest outdoor Christmas Market in Britain with over 180 stalls and gluwein, stollen and giggles a plenty.

Based on the smash-hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production stars Gary Lucy and has been sweeping up a whole host of awards.

Visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The voice-throwing queen is back on the road with her sell-out show that turns members of the audience into the start of the show. Expect the unexpected!

Visit www.thsh.co.uk

Come along, if you dare, for a Spooky Spectacle as the night draws in. Dress in your best costume and be prepared for some spine-tingling fun!

Visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Rebel Makers Camp, part of the Rebel Makers project is a one day festival celebrating technology and digital creativity.

The event will include a series of talks, workshops and social activities focused around digital making, digital skills and technology. The aim of the event is to bring together people of all ages and abilities to share skills, discover technology and socialise in a range of fun and engaging ways.

The Rebel Makers network is taking a different approach in the digital skills arena by ensuring that it is accessible to absolutely everyone – regardless of their age, ability or background. The Clubs welcome people of all ages and skill levels into an open, informal learning space to share and experiment with digital; enabling attendees to grow in experience and confidence while building a strong, diverse community.

Visit www.rebelmakers.co.uk for more information

Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination and be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie with special appearances from some of Disney’s best loved characters.

Visit www.theticketfactory.com

Ten shows, eight workshops, three days!

Some of the best Improv companies and artists will descend on Birmingham for the city’s inaugural Birmingham Improv Festival 2016.

The three day event features some of the biggest and best Improv artists including Dudley born actress and Improv Queen Josie Lawrence, best remembered for the acclaimed series Whose Line Is It Anyway, some of the cast of the West End’s Olivier Award winning improvised musical Showstopper! As well as the UK’s premier improv comedy troupe Noise Next Door who come straight from the Edinburgh Festival.

As well as the main stage performances the festival will be running a series of exciting Improv Workshops providing the public with the chance to work with world-class professional practitioners and performers and explore Improv in more detail. The workshops will include Improv for Absolute Beginners with Birmingham based Box of Frogs; Improvised Musical Theatre with some of the West End’s Showstopper! cast and Narrative Improv and story skills with Spontaneous Sherlock: The workshops are a fantastic way to build confidence, meet new people, and improve initiative at the same time.

The Festival will culminate in a special Charity Showcase in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital featuring the best Birmingham and Midlands’ talent including surprise guests.

Concessionary tickets start at £5 and rise to £59 for all ten shows.

For full listings and ticket information visit birminghamimprovfestival.com

Inspired by true events, the Oscar-winning film version of this story has terrified millions since its release in 1973. Now this brand new stage production is unleashed for the very first time. This may shock and offend so strictly 18+. You have been warned…

Visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk