Beverley lit up like...a Christmas tree

Several thousand people descended on Beverley on Sunday afternoon to see the Christmas lights being switched on, and enjoy the entertainment in the town.

The event was officially opened at 1pm, when the Mayor, Santa Claus, Elsa and Olaf rode the Polar Express through Saturday Market, along Toll Gavel, into Wednesday Market and back again. 

The festivities continued with live music from local bands throughout the afternoon, combining with fun fair rides and a helter skelter, in Saturday market. Christmas was brought to life with Santa's grotto, and visitors to the event were able to get a taste of what it would be like to be in a giant snowglobe.

The event was very well received, with feedback on the day including: "It is a great event, it gets better every year", "It is good to see lots of things happening throughout Beverley", "Great to see so many charity stalls at the switch-on" and "Beverley switch-on seems to have everything for everyone."

Families were also able to skate on a mini ice rink set up in Saturday Market and browse stalls from local charities, culminating in three separate switch-on events at Wednesday Market, Wilko's Corner and Saturday Market, presided over by Hull City legend Dean Windass.

The event ended with the screening of Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas on an outdoor cinema projected onto the side of the buildings.

All money raised goes towards the 2015 Christmas lights switch-on.