Stevenage Old Town was lit up on Saturday to welcome in the festive season, with organisers confident it was their biggest turnout ever.

The Comet: Michelle Tucker-Vincent, Steve Biucchi, Mike Biucchi and James ShiresMichelle Tucker-Vincent, Steve Biucchi, Mike Biucchi and James Shires (Image: Archant)

There was an afternoon of Christmas-themed ‘messy church’ craft activities at Holy Trinity Church which attracted around 120 youngsters, before a lantern parade of children and parents made their way up the High Street for the 5.30pm switch-on itself.

Carol singers helped the watching public get in the mood at the Bowling Green, before Ameila and Isabella Lanni turned on the lights in front of up to 600 people.

The Comet: Carol singers at the Stevenage Old Town lights switch-on.Carol singers at the Stevenage Old Town lights switch-on. (Image: Archant)

The annual event was organised by the Stevenage Old Town Business and Community Partnership, and afterwards chairman Charles Hawkins said: “It was amazing. I think it’s the biggest crowd we have ever had, despite the weather not being very good.

“The children walking up the High Street for the lantern parade just kept coming and coming, and we didn’t know when the stream was going to stop!

“We’re trying to put the Old Town on the map so it was great to see the cafés and eating places so busy – and the lights look lovely.”