Welwyn Garden City's Christmas lights switch on 2024 in pictures

Thousands of people helped kick-start the festive season in the town centre on Saturday (November 16) by attending the Christmas Lights Event organised by the Welwyn Garden City Business District team, on behalf of the businesses of the town centre.

Wonderful WGC's Christmas event took place on Saturday (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) Dancers, musicians and performers took to the main stage to entertain the crowds, with performances from Warriorz, DH Dance Academy, Elara, LAR performing arts, KT’s Academy, Thalian Theatre, Stage Coach Welwyn Hatfield and Britain's Got Talent star Immi Davis.

Immi Davis performed at the Christmas lights switch on (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) Headlining the stage was Hertfordshire born rapper, singer and social media sensation - with over 1.2 million followers across all platforms and 1,482,433 steams on Spotify.

Welwyn Garden City's Christmas Lights Trail also launched on Saturday (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)Father Christmas was joined on stage by Immi Davis and Forms for the official countdown to Christmas, before lighting up Howardsgate,

Send your letter to Father Christmas! (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) The Howard Centre was a hive of activity with Story time with Santa, Face painting and the Rotary sleigh.

Plenty of entertainment to enjoy (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) The fun didn’t stop there, with rides and attractions on Fretherne Road and Stonehills proving to be a hit with the crowds.

Families enjoyed seeing in the festive season (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) Stonehills square was transformed into a magical winter wonderland with large Christmas installations and a festive food and crafts market.

Welwyn Garden City's Christmas Lights Trail also launched on Saturday (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) The event also kick-started the official business funded Christmas Lights Trail, which will now remain in place until January 1, 2025.

Christmas tree in Welwyn Garden City (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) This year we will be offering wonderful prizes for the best photos with the Christmas installations.

Father Christmas did the honours at the big switch on (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)Simply snap it, share it on social media using #WGCXmasLights for your chance to win.

Panto stars enjoy the Christmas lights switch on (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography) The 11 installations will be located around the town centre. To view the full list of locations, go to Wonderfulwgc.co.uk.