The Christmas season has begun in Saffron Walden with a lantern parade and the annual lights switch-on.

Following the town crier's proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, Saffron Community Choir entertained crowds with Christmas carols.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Choirs performed at the Christmas light switch-on in Saffron WaldenChoirs performed at the Christmas light switch-on in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Members of the community gathered around the Christmas tree to wait for the lantern parade, led by Father Christmas and Cllr James de Vries, to depart from St Mary's Church.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Christmas lights switch on was held over the weekend in Saffron WaldenThe Christmas lights switch on was held over the weekend in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Following behind Father Christmas's sleigh in the lantern parade were the Saffron Walden County High School Choir, Tempos Performing Arts, Saffron Players and families.

After the light switch-on, a Christmas disco was held into the evening, with Stuart Vant from InXpress acting as compere and DJ.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Crowds gathered at the Saffron Walden lights switch-on and lantern paradeCrowds gathered at the Saffron Walden lights switch-on and lantern parade (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Father Christmas took time out of his busy schedule to visit on both Friday and Sunday, with a grotto in the town hall - which raised more than £425 for the mayor's charities.

Fayre in the Square was held on Sunday, offering an opportunity for Christmas shopping and musical entertainment from Somewhere to Sing.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Lanterns at the Saffron Walden lantern paradeLanterns at the Saffron Walden lantern parade (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The Christmas Gift Fair ran alongside in the Town Hall, and will also be back from December 2 to December 4.

Saffron Walden Town Council thanked all the sponsors and volunteer groups who contributed on the day.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Children met Father Christmas at the Saffron Walden lights switch-onChildren met Father Christmas at the Saffron Walden lights switch-on (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Tempos Performing Arts performed at the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch-onTempos Performing Arts performed at the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Father Christmas and Mayor Cllr James de Vries led the Saffron Walden lantern paradeFather Christmas and Mayor Cllr James de Vries led the Saffron Walden lantern parade (Image: Celia Bartlett)