PICTURES: Tadley comes together to turn on Christmas lights on Friday, November 29

Tadley came together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season at the town’s annual Christmas tree light switch-on at the weekend.

The community celebration took place on Friday evening (November 29) and it saw the North Hampshire town welcome the holidays in style.

The tree lights were switched on at 7pm by Tadley Town Council chair Avril Burdett, North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse and two of The Anvil’s Christmas pantomime stars, Elly Jay as Princess Rose and Jenny O'Leary as Carabosse from Sleeping Beauty.

Ms Burdett said: “It was really great and really well attended.

“It was lovely to see newborn babies who are wondering what the heck was going on all the way up to the great-grandparents altogether. It is a real family affair.”

Alongside the light switch-on there were singing performances from the West Berkshire Rock Choir and carols with schoolchildren from Burnham Copse Primary School.

Ms Burdett said that both of the choirs “really set everyone in the Christmas mood” with everyone joining in with the singing.

The popular Christmas market was as successful as ever, with stallholders pleased with business. Families were also entertained by Juggling Jake, Bubbles Man Chris, The Grinch and Princess Belle from Jollypop Entertainment and a merry-go-round.

The event also managed to raise £450 for Citizens Advice Tadley.