The rain cleared and the crowds soon arrived for the annual Christmas lights switch-on in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Organisers were worried the weather would be against them leading up to Saturday’s event – but the festive atmosphere was underway as soon as the wet conditions passed.
Michael Burke, is Chairman of the lights committee, chair of Huntingdonshire District Council and a St Ives town councillor.
He said: “It was the most incredible day.
“The weather was on our minds leading up to the event with wind and rain forecast but the early showers soon disappeared and the crowds arrived.
“As a community, St Ives knows how to celebrate Christmas in style and with the performers and a visit from the Big Man himself we loved every minute of it.”
And the town certainly did “celebrate Christmas in style”.
There was a Christmas market throughout the day, running alongside the town’s regular farmers’ market.
Live entertainment, funfair rides and street entertainers also kept everyone amused.
The day's main wonder – the lights switch-on itself – happened at around 5pm and was followed by fireworks.
As with many community events and projects, the St Ives Christmas lights rely on sponsorship and donations.
A JustGiving page dedicated to the town’s Christmas lights has raised over £7,000 so far from community donations. Its 2023 target is £8,000.
This year’s main sponsors included the Dolphin Hotel and the OutOut Nightclub, which was also celebrating its fourth birthday.
Local businesses also sponsored the Christmas lights on 40 of the town’s lampposts.
Cllr Burke added: “We're so grateful for everyone's donations.”
Donate towards the St Ives Christmas lights via its JustGiving page titled: “Weʼre raising £8,000 to support St Ives Christmas Lights for 2023”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here