Letchworth Christmas lights switch-on brings festive family fun

Switching on the lights. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Entertainers performing live jazz, jive and vintage music as well as ballet and street dancers took to the stage throughout the day in the lead up to the big switch-on.

The children were kept busy with theatre shows from Imajica, a Santa’s grotto, Christmas trail competition, funfair rides and more.

Friends enjoy the parade. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

There was also a variety of world foods, delicious desserts and festive hot drinks on hand to keep everyone warm.

Letchworth BID manager Patricia Saunders said: “It was wonderful to see thousands of people come together to celebrate the start of the Christmas shopping period with our town’s lights switch-on event.

Floating angel smiles. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

“This highly-anticipated event not only provides fantastic entertainment for visitors to enjoy, but it is also one of the busiest days of the year when it comes to footfall in the town centre.

“The lights switch-on wouldn’t be made possible without the support of the town’s Heritage Foundation, who cover the costs of the lights and installation. “The Letchworth BID has received positive feedback from BID businesses about the importance of continuing these events.

Elves wave. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

“The support of local businesses for successful events such as this is very important and we are confident that businesses will continue to ‘vote yes’ over the next few days – a critical period in the lead up to the result of the reballot that will determine the future of the Letchworth BID and its existence for another five years.”

The Christmas parade – which is an annual favourite – featuring a Christmas sleigh, elves, majorettes, mascot characters and a princess carriage made its way through Leys Avenue ahead of the big switch-on and fireworks display.

Santa meets the crowds. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

And the festive fun in Letchworth does not end there, with activities happening right up until December 30.

Still to come is the Christmas Tree Festival, Garden City Singers Christmas Concert, Fairy Wonderland grotto, Christmas markets, snow globe, and much more.

Mickey and Minnie in the fancy dress parade. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

To find out more about what Love Letchworth has in store for the rest of the festive period, download the full event guide by visiting loveletchworth.com.

Santa. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

High fives with the elves. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

High fives with an angel. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Family waiting for the parade to start. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Street food. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Couple enjoy the music entertainment. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Children's funfair. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

The lights and the crowds. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Cinders leaves the parade. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Entertainment on stage. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Entertainers on stage. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Crowds and the Christmas lights. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)

Fireworks and the Christmas lights. Picture Gary Walker (Image: Gary Walker)