Gallery
In pictures: Walden's Lantern Parade and Christmas lights switch-on
Santa, Saffron Walden Mayor Richard Porch and Santa's chief elf make their way to the Market Place to switch on the lights - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Thousands of people have taken part in this year's Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On, marking the start of the festive season in Walden.
Children with their home made lanterns joined the parade led by the panto cast of Rapunzel, alongside dancers, performers and stilt walkers.
They walked from St Mary's Church to the lights switch-on in Market Square.
Entertainment included music from The Garden, Moonshine Coyote and Darren Stammers with Brown Paper Bag, and the MC was Stuart Vant, chairman of Saffron Walden Town Football Club.
Santa was in his Grotto, welcoming families.
Saffron Walden Emporium held a three day gift market in the Town Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on Sunday, the town had Fair in The Square, with a variety of Christmas markets and another free Santa’s Grotto.
Coming up:
Sunday November 28: Meet the author. Rachel Morris will be giving a talk on 'How to make a museum out of your own life' and signing copies of her book The Museum Makers, Saffron Walden Museum Shop, 2pm-4.30pm. Admission: £2.50 adults, £1.25 concessions, under 18s free. See www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org
November 28: St Mary’s Church Saffron Walden, Advent Carol Service, 6.30pm
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December 3 and 4 : All day markets, Emporium gift and craft fair at the Town Hall
December 3: Late night shopping organised by Saffron Walden Initiative
December 4: The usual SWTC market
December 5: Emporium gift and craft fair all day at the Town Hall
January 2022: The panto Rapunzel will be performed in the Town Hall.
Gallery
Daniella, age three, waiting for the Saffron Walden lantern procession to start - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Lanterns 'lit' and ready to go in Saffron Walden ahead of the lantern parade - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Lanterns 'lit' and ready to go for the Saffron Walden lantern parade - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Santa arriving to switch on the Saffron Walden Christmas lights - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
The Lantern procession makes its way from St Mary's Church to Saffron Walden Market - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
The lantern procession moves down Saffron Walden's High Street - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
County High School Choir sing festive carols at the Saffron Walden lights switch on - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
A young lantern bearer in the crowd in Saffron Walden, ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
MC Stuart Vant takes a selfie just before the Christmas lights switch on in Saffron Walden - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
The countdown to turn on the Saffron Walden Christmas lights, with Santa's chief elf, Santa, Saffron Walden mayor Richard Porch and MC Stuart Vant - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Saffron Walden's Market Place was filled with families who came to see the Christmas lights switch on - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Two dazzling participants from Ruby Flames Entertainment took part in the Saffron Walden lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on event - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
A mum shows a young child the joy of the Christmas tree in Saffron Walden - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Penny Farthing's Hoop School provide a display at the Saffron Walden lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Mayor Richard Porch who helped to turn on the Saffron Walden Christmas lights - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Beatrix, 20 months, asks Santa for a kitten, Saffron Walden - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
Amelia, seven, asks Santa for a LOL Surprise doll, Saffron Walden - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
William says he doesn't mind what Santa brings him, Saffron Walden - Credit: Celia Bartlett Photography
