In pictures: Fireworks light up the skies at Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On

Fireworks lit up the night sky as the wet weather subsided just in time for the Christmas lights switch-on in Maidenhead town centre on Saturday.

Crowds watched on as the winner of Norden Farm’s Comet art competition joined panto stars on the main stage outside the Town Hall for the countdown at 6pm.

Lights adorning the Town Hall, Christmas tree and the High Street turned on to cheers from the audience.

Guests then enjoyed a dazzling firework display, complete with festive music.

The popular annual Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On kicked off from 11am, with live entertainment, a Christmas Market, food vendors and attractions taking over the Desborough Theatre, St Ives Road, and Library Square.

The rain may have started early and continued throughout the day until late afternoon, but that did not stop people from getting into the festive spirit.

There was a buzz in the air as the Desborough Theatre got busier throughout the day, with visitors watching live music on the stage and browsing more than 30 community and craft stalls.

Stallholders were selling everything from festive gifts to jewellery, crochet items, wreaths and garlands, candles, and biltong.  

Some of the stallholders included Chiara’s Pyrography, Flowers by Jezabel, Incandle, SaveEnergy, Bossies Biltong, New Day Sensory Shop and the 18th Maidenhead Scouts and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

Youngsters were visiting Santa’s Grotto, brought by the Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge.

A Hoppy Place had set up a bar at the entrance to the Desborough Theatre, where the The Scooter Café also had a stand.

The Maidenhead Festival took charge of the live music, with several acts including the Rock Choir, Avenue, Helena, Dance Inspired and Sing4You taking to the stage in the Desborough Theatre to perform routines and festive tracks.

Despite the weather, outside, fairground rides, bungee trampolines and stalls offering roasted chestnuts and candy floss had lined the closed St Ives Road.

Visitors could treat themselves to food from SNIK Indian Street Food, Hey Spud!, Chock Shop, Maggie’s Mobile Catering, and O&H Greeklicious.

Mulled wine, coffee and donuts and hot chocolate were also on offer.

Cover band Millennium were rocking the main stage outside in the afternoon and were followed by The Courtlands Stories, who covered tracks such as Ho Hey by The Lumineers.

Later, as the rain stopped, crowds sand along as musician Tara Deane performed hits such as Shut up and Dance by WALK THE MOON.

Supporters were cheering from the crowd as the winners of Maidenhead Festival’s Battle of the Bands, Something Stupid, played a set of cover and original songs.

The stars and teams behind Robin Hood presented by the Maidenhead Drama Guild, Norden Farm’s The Comet and Braywick Theatre’s panto Snow White spoke about their shows and entertained the crowd.

After the light switch-on, guests stayed on to watch rock band Hudson’s Choice close out the event.

The four-piece band put a rock spin on well-known pop songs including Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus, Blank Space by Taylor Swift, Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan, Stargazing by Myles Smith and Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner.