Saffron Walden celebrates Christmas at lights switch-on

Following the Town Crier's proclamation in the Market Square on Friday, November 22, crowds were entertained by Tempos Performing Arts, Enterprise East and the cast of Saffron Hall's pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

The lantern parade then departed St Mary's Church, led by Father Christmas, Mayor Cllr Deryk Eke and the Town Crier.

Musicians and dancers entertained crowds at the Saffron Walden lights switch-on (Image: Dominic Davey) This year a slimmed-down Father Christmas was transported in a decorated Mini provided by Group 1 Stansted Mini.

The Brass Squad provided Christmas tunes along the way, with dance from The Mirror Men.

At 6pm, the lights were switched on in Market Square, and a Christmas disco party continued into the evening.

The Saffron Walden Christmas lights (Image: Dominic Davey) Saffron Walden Town Council thanked Stuart Vant from InXpress, who was the compere and DJ throughout the event.

The town council also thanked sponsors and supporters McCarthy Stone, Intercounty, Group 1 Stansted Mini, Warm Touch Plumbing and Heating, InXpress, Adams Harrison Solicitors, Tela, Saffron Hall, Saffron Screen, Uttlesford District Council, Peasegood & Skeates, and Saffron Walden BID.

Volunteer groups helped steward the event, including Saffron Walden Lions, UCAN, town councillors, and the council thanked Town Crier David Razzel, St Mary's Church and Father Christmas for their help on the night.

Crowds were entertained at the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Dominic Davey) Festivities continued on Sunday, November 24 with the Christmas Fayre in the Square, and a Christmas Gift Fair was held in the town hall throughout the weekend.

For anyone who missed the gift fair, it will return from Friday, December 6 to Tuesday, December 10.

There are still more events to come during the Christmas period. Santa's Grotto will be open from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 and a Christmas market will be held from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, December 8.

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Christmas Carols at the Memory Tree will be held on Friday, December 13 from 1pm to 2pm, with Memory Tree sponsors Peasegood & Skeates.

Finally Saffron Screen will host a Christmas pop-up cinema from 10am to midday on Saturday December 21.

Any feedback on the events should be sent to events@saffronwalden.gov.uk.