Christmas festivities kicked off in Saffron Walden over the weekend with a lights switch-on and lantern parade.

Town crier David Razzel made a proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, then the community gathered around the Christmas tree waiting for the arrival of the parade.

Entertainment was provided by Saffron Community Choir, Somewhere 2 Sing, Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS) Singers, Tempos Performing Arts and Enterprise East.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Families attended the Christmas lights switch-on and lantern paradeFamilies attended the Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Led by Father Christmas, Mayor Cllr Heather Asker and the town crier, the parade departed St Mary's Church - followed by SWCHS Singers, Saffron Walden Beavers, Saffron Players and plenty of families.

They were also accompanied by LED-lit angel and Christmas tree stilt walkers.

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

The lights were switched on in the square at 6pm, and a Christmas disco continued throughout the evening.

Saffron Walden Town Council thanked Stuart Vant from InXpress for being compere and DJ throughout the event.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Saffron Walden's town crier announcing the proceedingsSaffron Walden's town crier announcing the proceedings (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Father Christmas took time out of his busy schedule to visit on Friday and Sunday - meeting 340 children and their families at his grotto in the town hall.

Christmas Fayre in the Square was a success on the Sunday, with many market traders selling out by the end of the day.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Somewhere 2 Sing Choir at the Christmas lights switch-onSomewhere 2 Sing Choir at the Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The Mayor's tombola raised more than £350 for her chosen charities - Fairycroft House Arts and Media Centre and Saffron Walden Youth Outreach Project.

READ MORE

Mayor Cllr Heather Asker said: "I am grateful that generous prize donations from local businesses and market traders have enabled me to raise a good sum for local charities.

"My thanks go to all who participated."

Saffron Walden Reporter: Mayor Cllr Heather Asker with Father ChristmasMayor Cllr Heather Asker with Father Christmas (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Musician Ben Smith provided live entertainment for the shoppers from the Christmas tree on Market Row.

Saffron Walden Town Council thanked all of its sponsors: McCarthy Stone, Intercounty, Blackmore Roofing, Warm Touch Plumbing and Heating, InXpress, Adams Harrison Solicitors, Tela, B&R Carpets, Shire Trees Limited, Uttlesford District Council, Peasgood & Skeetes and Saffron Walden BID.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Crowds gathered at Saffron Walden's Christmas lights switch-onCrowds gathered at Saffron Walden's Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Celia Bartlett)

They also thanked volunteer groups for stewarding, including the Saffron Walden Lions, UCAN and Barclays Bank, as well as town crier David Razzel, St Mary's Church, Father Christmas and his elves - who were students from Saffron Walden County High School.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Performers at the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch-onPerformers at the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Running alongside these events was the Christmas gift fair in the town hall, which will return from Friday, December 1 to Tuesday, December 5.

There will also be a Christmas market from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 3 and a community carol concert from 1pm to 2pm on Friday, December 8.