More than 3,000 people gathered in Chatteris on Saturday afternoon to see the switch on of the town’s spectacular Christmas lights and get into the festive spirit.
The sparkly lights were switched on by seven-year-old Lexie Perry, daughter of Chatteris snooker star Joe Perry, who won his first ranking tournament in China in June.
The streets were lined with traders, Santa welcomed visitors to his grotto and people of all ages enjoyed fun fair rides and refreshments.
The Salvation Army held a Christmas Fayre and the Variante Ensemble played seasonal music in Market Hill Gardens.
St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church held its annual Christmas Tree Festival while the Emmanuel Church in East Park Street served hot soup.
The town’s switch on, which was established in 1985, has gained a reputation as a must-see event.
It is organised by The Lights Committee, a voluntary organisation which has raised £90,000 through collections, raffles and many other events to finance the displays.
Chris Savill, The Lights Committee’s chairman, was thrilled with how the event unfolded.
He said: “It went extremely well. There were no hiccups and everybody really enjoyed themselves.
“It is a showcase event for the town and everybody got involved. Lexie (Perry) was an absolute diamond and really played the part.
“We raised nearly £1,000 through bucket collections and the Christmas draw, which will go towards helping us put on the event in future years.”
Mr Savill paid tribute to the tireless work of the small group of volunteers who organised the event.
He said: “We are a very small team. There are eight of us who give up our time to make it happen.
“They are a really good bunch of people who are doing it for the love of the event.”
The lights can be enjoyed daily from 3pm until midnight until they are taken down on Twelfth Night.
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