"Magic, sparkle and generosity" lit up a Huntingdonshire town centre during the Christmas lights switch on.

The community of St Ives joined the festive celebrations in the town for food, drinks and entertainment on November 16.

The team at St Ives Christmas Lights spent many months planning and fundraising for the 2024 event, and they were "overwhelmed" by such an "incredible reaction".

The town centre was lit up for the occasion.The town centre was lit up for the occasion. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights) The Mayor of St Ives, Councillor Pasco Hussain, said: "I am so very grateful to Michael and the team of volunteers.

"I have seen how hard they work and it's staggering to see how their hardworking plans become a reality.

"We hope that they are pleased with what they have achieved."

There were several special guests at the switch on.There were several special guests at the switch on. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights) A spokesperson for St Ives Christmas Lights said: "With so many people needing to consider every single penny, we are eternally grateful.

"The costs of these kinds of events are increasing and this is also down to the success our switch on has become, and requirements placed on us through health and safety and insurances."

Local performers took to the stage in St Ives.Local performers took to the stage in St Ives. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights) The organisation faced criticism for not electing to have certain design elements, including fireworks, but the team have defended their decision.

They said: "We have to focus our attention on the lights and the community involvement. While we have faced criticism for not having artificial snow or fireworks, we hope that people understand."

The Mayor of St Ives added: "It is always a difficult call when consideration is needed to decide what is needed and what is a nice thing to have."

The team behind the lights are now having a "well earned rest" before they begin planning the event for 2025.