A beautiful lantern parade lit up Stevenage Old Town’s High Street during the Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday.

The Comet: Band Miles from Life provide some rousing entertainment. Picture: Michael BaffourBand Miles from Life provide some rousing entertainment. Picture: Michael Baffour (Image: Archant)

Ahead of the main affair, three churches - Holy Trinity, Bunyan Baptist and High Street Methodist - held 'messy events' for children, including the chance to make a lantern for the parade.

Visitors enjoyed entertainment on the Bowling Green and at Springfield House - including live music and a special visit from Father Christmas - before the Christmas lights were switched on by Orla Philpotts and Shye Donovan - the winner and runner-up of Stevenage Old Town Business and Community Partnership's poster competition. The rest of the Christmas poster entries were on display in Springfield House.

The Comet: Poster competition winner Orla Philpotts (front, right) and runner-up Shye Donovan (front, left) with Stevenage's deputy mayor Jim Brown and his consort Penny Schenkel. Picture: Michael BaffourPoster competition winner Orla Philpotts (front, right) and runner-up Shye Donovan (front, left) with Stevenage's deputy mayor Jim Brown and his consort Penny Schenkel. Picture: Michael Baffour (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for SOTP said: "It was a great event. We hope you all had fun and we will see you all again next year. Merry Christmas to you all."

The Comet: Stevenage Old Town's Christmas tree has been officially lit up! Picture: Michael BaffourStevenage Old Town's Christmas tree has been officially lit up! Picture: Michael Baffour (Image: Michael Baffour)