Hitchin came alive with festive spirit at the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights on Friday night.

The Comet: Selfies with Santa. Picture: Gary WalkerSelfies with Santa. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The evening kicked off in Bancroft with a Christmas parade which brought Santa to the Market Place.

Father Christmas was soon joined by many of the town’s businesses including Talents, the Queen Mother Theatre, the Pilates Pod, The Car Agents, and Ladder 87, which ran a Christmas lights competition to determine who would switch-on the lights.

The Comet: Children enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary WalkerChildren enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The lucky winner was Tilly Jeanes.

Hitchin BID manager Tom Hardy said: “The event personified the passion and support the local residents have for our historic market town.

The Comet: Friends enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary WalkerFriends enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

“The atmosphere was incredible and showcased the town for what is hoped to be a busy Christmas period of shopping locally and support for our businesses.

“A big thank you to Dance and Fancy Dress of Hitchin for supplying the costumes as well as Hitchin Round Table for supplying the sleigh.”

The Comet: Friends enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary WalkerFriends enjoy the lights. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Children enjoy the snow. Picture: Gary WalkerChildren enjoy the snow. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Father Christmas and VIPs switch on the lights. Picture: Gary WalkerFather Christmas and VIPs switch on the lights. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Children enjoy the snow. Picture: Gary WalkerChildren enjoy the snow. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Father Christmas arriving. Picture: Gary WalkerFather Christmas arriving. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Crowds wait for the parade. Picture: Gary WalkerCrowds wait for the parade. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: The Sea Cadets. Picture: Gary WalkerThe Sea Cadets. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Dennis The Fire Engine. Picture: Gary WalkerDennis The Fire Engine. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Queen Mother Theatre in the parade. Picture: Gary WalkerQueen Mother Theatre in the parade. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Offley School Choir. Picture: Gary WalkerOffley School Choir. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Family buying balloons. Picture: Gary WalkerFamily buying balloons. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: The Skeltons. Picture: Gary WalkerThe Skeltons. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

The Comet: Young family enjoy the entertainment. Picture: Gary WalkerYoung family enjoy the entertainment. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Hitchin Rock Choir. Picture: Gary WalkerHitchin Rock Choir. Picture: Gary Walker (Image: Archant)