HUGE crowds turned out to enjoy festive fun as Guiseley launched the Christmas season in spectacular style.

Organisers of this year’s switch on event say it was their most successful ever.

With a funfair, gift stalls, entertainment and a dramatic fireworks display, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Guiseley Lights CIC chairwoman Michelle Phillips said: “The Guiseley Lights team want to thank everybody that turned up to make this our most successful event yet. After months of planning, preparation and building it was wonderful to see so many people turn out and support the community.

“Thousands of people and families enjoyed the fun fair and stage acts and were able to start their Christmas shopping early with lots of stalls selling handmade cards, gifts, handbags, calendars and much more.

“We were able to launch our Great Guiseley Reindeer Trail with the help of Santa on the stage. The maps being available locally in Manning Staintons, Flowers by Karen and the Red Lion pub with more locations to be added shortly. All proceeds raised helps to go towards continued improvement of the Christmas light display.

“We were honoured to have our lights turned on this year by Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Laura Weightman who shared the honor with Santa Claus and this was followed by a truly spectacular fireworks display.”

She added: “We have been able to extend our displays this year with a wonderful Santa and Rudolph on the side of the Station Pub, and an illuminated Bauble Tree at the White Cross roundabout, this is all alongside the traditional Nativity at Towngate and the star atop St Oswald’s church.

“The event this year was sponsored by many local businesses and individuals and we thank them all for their help. Every year we need to raise more and more money to make sure we can continue to maintain and improve the lights so if anyone wants to help volunteer, raise funds for us or sponsor our work, they can get in touch on our new website www.guiseleylights.co.uk”

The switch-on and Christmas market has quickly established itself as an important part of the town’s calendar since its launch just three years ago.

Guiseley Lights is a Community Interest Company made up of residents who give their time as volunteers to provide the community with a spectacular Christmas event and lights to be proud of.