St Ives Big Christmas Lights Switch-on has been branded a "roaring success" after thousands gathered to witness the town's spectacular festivities.

Sponsored by ILUX and organised by the St Ives Christmas Lights committee, the Christmas Lights Switch-on was bursting with market stalls and fun fair rides for all to enjoy.

Chairman of the lights committee, and chair of Huntingdonshire District Council, Cllr Michael Burke, said: “It was amazing, absolutely fantastic. The day was really well attended and everybody loved it.” 

“Last year was a spectacular amount of people and I think we’ve bettered that. There were more people this year than last.” 

The Hunts Post: A drone image of the St Ives Christmas lights Switch-on featuring the fun fair, all the markets stalls and hundred of visitors.A drone image of the St Ives Christmas lights Switch-on featuring the fun fair, all the markets stalls and hundred of visitors. (Image: Alan Bennett)

Prior to the lights being turned on, there was a Christmas Market in the Market Square, allowing lots of community traders and businesses to get involved.

There was live entertainment, a fun fair, a Ferris wheel, craft stalls and food and drink available throughout the day before St Ives mayor, Cllr Philip Pope, joined by Father Christmas, switched on the lights.

The Hunts Post: Father Christmas and St Ives Mayor, Cllr Philip Pope entertained the crowd and switched on the lights.Father Christmas and St Ives Mayor, Cllr Philip Pope entertained the crowd and switched on the lights. (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: Children joined Cllr Pope on stage and took part in some of the Christmas fun.Children joined Cllr Pope on stage and took part in some of the Christmas fun. (Image: Archant)

Cllr Pope said: “The ‘Big Christmas Light Switch-On’ here in St Ives was a roaring success for all in attendance.

"From the stage, I couldn’t even see the back of the crowds as so many people joined us in the town centre for this magical and festive event.

"The stalls said they had a great time and received lots of trade, as did the local businesses.

"It was so lovely to see our town alive with excited children and happy families all getting in that Christmas spirit."

Live entertainment at the event included performances from The Centre Theatre Players, Victor Vellocette, Trish Fordham, the Musical Theatre Choir and students for the Vicky Grant School of Dance.

The Hunts Post: St Ives resident Jackie Carpenter took this spectacular photo of the fireworks display after the light were turned on.St Ives resident Jackie Carpenter took this spectacular photo of the fireworks display after the light were turned on. (Image: Jackie C Photography)

Following the light switch-on, there was a spectacular fireworks show for the crowds to enjoy, thanks to Cambridge Fireworks and Fireworks in Hemingford.

Cllr Burke added: “It’s so heartwarming to be able to do this kind of thing every year and to bring the community together because, as a town, there are not many opportunities to have people all together in one place for the same purpose."

The Hunts Post: Thousands got into the holiday spirit and visited St Ives for a day of festivities. Thousands got into the holiday spirit and visited St Ives for a day of festivities. (Image: Philip Pope)

Financial constraints leading up to the event forced a few cutbacks which the lights committee were able to overcome.

However, the committee is still fundraising to ensure next year's event can have the best start possible.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stiveschristmas22.