Thousands of people came together for the Rickmansworth Christmas Evening on Friday night.

Families packed into the High Street and watched the Starlight Parade and live performances from school and dance groups on The Rising Star Stage.

The cast from this year’s pantomime at Watersmeet, Cinderella, walked up and down the High Street, posing for photographs.

Organisers are thinking about introducing more street entertainers for next year’s event, as they look to bring in more people from surrounding areas in south west Hertfordshire.

Nina Hosking, chairman of Rickmansworth Chamber of Commerce, said: “The night was absolutely fabulous.

“It is a very family-orientated evening and great fun. Every generation enjoys it.

“It is really supported by the businesses. The whole ethos of the event has been for businesses to say thank you to the customers for everything throughout the year.”

The Starlight Parade moved through the High Street, where a vast array of stalls had been set up by charities and uniformed organisations, including various scout groups.

The Little Fox Market – which sells food, jewellery, arts and crafts - was opened near Marks & Spencer. A fun fair was also set up and the popular punch and judy entertained parents and children.

Traders in Rickmansworth have faced a difficult run-up to Christmas, with Station Road closing more than a month.

But Mrs Hosking believes there were more shops open for this year’s Christmas Evening and thanked all the volunteers who helped steward visitors around the town.

She added: “At about 7.45pm, we had very high winds and loads of rain, which rather killed the evening, which is a shame because it was going very very well until then.”

Cllr Eric Bishop, officially opened the event at 6.15pm.