TV star lights up Halesowen town

Gregory, who plays troubled teen Ryan Pilkington in BBC drama Line of Duty and is from the town, pressed the button to switch on the lights as fans cheered him on.

He was joined on stage by the Deputy Mayor of Dudley Councillor Hilary Bills, BBC WM’s Caroline Martin and local school pupil Pheobe Glover, who won a competition to be on stage for the event.

Crowds were also treated to a host of entertainment with a stage hosted by Black Country Radio featuring live entertainment from local performers throughout the day including Bhangra Smash Up and Andy Bennett of Ocean Colour Scene fame.

Free children’s rides, a Christmas food and craft market and the chance for youngsters to meet Father Christmas added to the event offer.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Deputy Mayor of Dudley, said:

The Christmas countdown has well and truly begun in Halesowen! It was a pleasure to join Gregory on stage today, he is a true home-grown talent and our borough is rightly proud of his achievements and notoriety.

The event was really well supported by the residents and I especially want to thank Halesowen BID for making events in the town like this possible.

Dudley light switch on takes place Saturday November 23 from 12 noon to 5pm, Brierley Hill’s event is Friday November 29 from 3pm to 6pm and Stourbridge’s event is on Saturday November 30 from 9am to 5pm.