OTLEY’S festive season is underway following its Christmas lights switch-on.

Crowds gathered in the town centre on Monday, November 25 to enjoy an evening of seasonal fun before the main event.

They enjoyed live music, including carols, along with fairground rides and an appearance by Santa before the big switch-on at 7pm which was followed by fireworks.

Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Richard Hughes said: “The lights switch-on was, as ever, a great Otley community occasion. The market square was full of people enjoying the activities and stage events.

“Choirs from Prince Henry’s Grammar School and St Joseph’s Primary School, local singers Emeli Mumford and Joseph O’Brien, Ronnie the Rhino and Otley Brass Band all entertained the crowd. And the rain held off!

“It was good to see the town council putting on such a successful event and I was particularly impressed by the coordination between the stage party, lights switch-on and the fireworks.”

The council changed things this year by opting for an ‘ice white’ lights display rather than the usual, multi-coloured illuminations.