The rain cleared and the crowds soon arrived for the annual Christmas lights switch-on in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.  

Organisers were worried the weather would be against them leading up to Saturday’s event – but the festive atmosphere was underway as soon as the wet conditions passed.  

Michael Burke, is Chairman of the lights committee, chair of Huntingdonshire District Council and a St Ives town councillor.    

The Hunts Post: Crowds gathered to enjoy the lights being switched on.Crowds gathered to enjoy the lights being switched on. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights Committee)He said: “It was the most incredible day.  

“The weather was on our minds leading up to the event with wind and rain forecast but the early showers soon disappeared and the crowds arrived.  

“As a community, St Ives knows how to celebrate Christmas in style and with the performers and a visit from the Big Man himself we loved every minute of it.”   

And the town certainly did “celebrate Christmas in style”.  

The Hunts Post: There was also live entertainment throughout the day in St Ives for the annual Christmas lights switch on event.There was also live entertainment throughout the day in St Ives for the annual Christmas lights switch on event. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights Committee)There was a Christmas market throughout the day, running alongside the town’s regular farmers’ market.  

Live entertainment, funfair rides and street entertainers also kept everyone amused.  

The day's main wonder – the lights switch-on itself – happened at around 5pm and was followed by fireworks.   

The Hunts Post: St Ives in Cambridgeshire is certainly looking, and feeling, festive.St Ives in Cambridgeshire is certainly looking, and feeling, festive. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights Committee)As with many community events and projects, the St Ives Christmas lights rely on sponsorship and donations.  

A JustGiving page dedicated to the town’s Christmas lights has raised over £7,000 so far from community donations. Its 2023 target is £8,000. 

This year’s main sponsors included the Dolphin Hotel and the OutOut Nightclub, which was also celebrating its fourth birthday.  

The Hunts Post: St Ives in Cambridgeshire was certainly feeling very festive for the annual Christmas lights switch on event.St Ives in Cambridgeshire was certainly feeling very festive for the annual Christmas lights switch on event. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights Committee)Local businesses also sponsored the Christmas lights on 40 of the town’s lampposts.  

Cllr Burke added: “We're so grateful for everyone's donations.” 

Donate towards the St Ives Christmas lights via its JustGiving page titled: “Weʼre raising £8,000 to support St Ives Christmas Lights for 2023”.

The Hunts Post: A Christmas market ran alongside the town's usual farmers' market throughout the day.A Christmas market ran alongside the town's usual farmers' market throughout the day. (Image: St Ives Christmas Lights Committee)