Hundreds braved pouring rain and plunging temperatures this evening as they celebrated the turning on of The Harlequin Christmas illuminations.

Heavy crowds thronged the Lower High Street as spectators young and old cheered on a range of celebrity guests, including TV’s Jeff Brazier and award-winning dance group Diversity.

After wowing the soaked but enthusiastic crowd with a typically energetic dance routine, the Britain’s Got Talent winners helped Father Christmas turn on the thousands of festive lights.

Performing on a temporary stage outside The Harlequin shopping centre, the group thanked the crowds for turning up, despite the heavy rain.

They said: “It means so much to us that you’ve come out to support us in the pouring rain. Thank you all so much.”

Jessica Boughton, 18, of Meadow Road, Bushey, was one of dozens of screaming young fans who queued for more than three hours to secure a lucrative place in the front row.

She said: “Diversity were absolutely amazing. They couldn’t do a proper routine because the stage was too wet but they were still fantastic and were definitely worth the wait. I would have waited all day for them.”

Some small children, however, had to be lifted from the crowd by police officers as the number of people desperate to watch caused heavy congestion.

Several public warnings were also given by the show’s organisers that the ceremony would be cancelled unless spectators moved back.

Were you at tonight’s event? Let us know your experiences by commenting below.