Letchworth's Christmas lights switch-on 2023 in pictures

Organised by Love Letchworth, the family fun event heralds the start of Christmas celebrations in the town - and there was plenty to celebrate and enjoy throughout the day.

Visitors were treated to a day of entertainment from local solo singers, dance groups, choirs and bands.

The Christmas lights switch-on included a fun fair (Image: Emily Packman)

In addition there was a wide range of food, drink and craft stalls many of whom were local traders.

In Leys Square, the Letchworth Christmas Tree stood proud in the town centre for the first time, arranged by Love Letchworth and supported by North Herts Council, and bedecked with huge baubles provided and decorated by local businesses.

Then, as the sun started to go down, the "best parade that Letchworth has seen in many a year" made its way up Leys Avenue consisting of an eclectic mix of performers and groups, started by the Garden City Samba band and finished by the Harpenden Pipe Band.

There was plenty of festive entertainment in Letchworth on Saturday (Image: Emily Packman)As the parade reached the Broadway cinema, SPADS had the honour of counting down and pressing the plunger to switch the lights on around the town.

Richard Harbon, Love Letchworth manager, said “What a brilliant, brilliant day.

"Our dedicated team at Love Letchworth really wanted to put something special on for the people of this town this Christmas, and by looking at the smiles on the children's faces, I think we achieved that.

The best parade that Letchworth has seen in many a year (Image: Emily Packman)"I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen, for all the town centre businesses who supported the event and for everyone who came out to enjoy the day. Thank you and have a Wonderful Christmas.”

Gallery and videos of the event are available to view on www.loveletchworth.com.

Letchworth Christmas lights switch-on 2023 (Image: Emily Packman)Letchworth Christmas lights switch-on 2023 (Image: Emily Packman)