A new-style Christmas lights ceremony in Huntingdon featuring a market has been hailed as a major success by the town council.

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Thousands of visitors came in to the town for the three-day event at the weekend which saw mayor Councillor Jay Dyne and Father Christmas turn on the festive lights.

At least 5,000 people visited the town hall alone during the event and the council is waiting to see the latest footfall figures to find out exactly how many people were present in Market Hill.

Natasha Pierson, deputy town clerk, said: “It was the first three-day Christmas market for the town and from a public perspective, everyone was very, very pleased.

“The town council was thrilled with the way the event went. It was extremely well attended over the three days.”

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

She said planning was already under way for next year’s ceremony.

The town council has bought 16 chalets which were used to house the market stalls and Ms Pierson said the temporary buildings could also be used for other events throughout the year.

The lights display is funded by the town council with support from BID Huntingdon and Churchmanor Estates, which is behind the Chequers Court development.

Craft stalls were located in the town hall and there was also a craft fair running at All Saints Church.

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Ms Pierson thanked the Rotary Club of Huntingdon Cromwell for Santa’s grotto, Tesco Extra for the elf workshop and Snack Shack for wrapping presents.

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: The Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANTThe Christmas light switch-on in Huntingdon. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)