Christmas starts early in Hemel Hempstead as lights switched on in town centre

The main switch-on was the culmination of a day of events on Saturday November 15 that also included a Christmas market, a funfair, face-painting, balloon modelling and a full day of entertainment.

On The Rainbow Stage a lively children’s show started proceedings, before performances from choirs and dance groups, including Theatretrain Hemel Hempstead and Energy School of Dancing.

Other activities during the day included a free Christmas storytime at No Ordinary Bookshop, within Marlowes Shopping Centre, where children were given free books to take home.

The switch-on was followed by fireworks and a fire show, as performers amazed crowds with their fire-based tricks.

The event was organised by Hemel Hempstead’s Business Improvement District team and a spokesperson for the group said: “The switch-on has become a cherished tradition in Hemel Hempstead, bringing the community together and spreading festive spirit.

“As the lights illuminated the town centre, the event once again set the perfect tone for the season ahead.”

The festive fun continues with the town’s reindeer trail, running until the end of the year, with the challenge to locate ten reindeers, each decorated by a primary school, located in ten shops around Hemel Hempstead.

Trail leaflets can be collected from the Riverside car park entrance with one lucky winner from the completed sheets winning an iPad.

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