HUNDREDS of people gathered to watch Christmas arrive in March when the town’s lights were switched on.

The town centre was full of spectators on Friday as Charlie Stevens, current Junior Amateur Boxing Association and Great Britain Junior champion, enjoyed the honour of turning on March’s illuminations.

The town’s Christmas tree, in the market place, was also lit up as a sea of colour swept across the town with Fenland’s first lights switch-on of the festive period.

The Middle Level Watermen’s Club again put on a display on the River Nene which provided even more colour to the spectacle.

Santa arrived in his sleigh to a packed town centre before spending time in his new grotto which was provided by Patsy Brewin.

There was also a host of other entertainment with singers, children’s rides and stalls delighting the crowd.

Clive Lemmon, town clerk, said: “It was a very big crowd again and we were lucky with the weather for another year. “It’s a great event for the town and once again we had an exceptional team of volunteers and helpers. Their efforts culminated in a superb evening.”