It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as people gathered around spreading Christmas cheer to see the festive switch-on event.

Watford’s town centre is glistening with various Christmas lights and decorations in preparation for the festive season after a lights switch-on event last Sunday (November 17).

The event took place all day from 2pm to 6pm and the town centre came together to celebrate the lights switching on thanks to the work of Intu Watford and Watford BID.

Watford F.C legends including Richard Lee, Tommy Smith and Lloyd Doyley went on stage to start the lights countdown after being called out by BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark who presented the event.

Watford Observer:

From left to right: Chris Stark, Tommy Smith, Richard Lee and Lloyd Doyley.

Throughout the day, street acts and performances got people in the Christmas moods before the big switch on. Members from the Electric Umbrella, a charity for people with learning disabilities, were just one of the many groups performing on the stage.

The festive day captured in video (Video: Joseph Reaidi)

As the town centre was crowded by an exciting range of attendees and visitors, there was a Christmas buzz in the air while people sang along to the many Christmas songs being played.

Watford Observer:

Vicki Costello, centre director of Intu Watford, said before the event: “The Watford BID Light Switch On is one of the most exciting events in the Christmas calendar.

“We’re so excited to be involved – come along and kick off your festive celebrations, it’s going to be so much fun! We’re expecting lots of happy, smiling shoppers and it’s wonderful to be partnering with Watford BID on such a positive and engaging community event.”

Watford Observer:

Once the lights switched on after a short delay, a short fireworks display wowed the crowds who began to take pictures of the lights and spectacle.

Watford Observer:

Intu will be holding further Christmas celebrations. On November 22 Father Christmas and his elves will be in a log cabin located in the Gallery. Tickets will be available to book through the Intu website.

On December 9, Intu Watford’s late-night opening hours from 9am to 8pm will kick in for shoppers to gather their gifts.