The event, organised by the town's Business Improvement District and Concept Event Solutions, included plenty of live entertainment throughout the day, leading up to the big switch on.
![Christmas tree lights switch on Hitchin]()
Christmas tree lights switch on Hitchin (Image: Hitchin BID) Kicking off the merriment was the Hitchin Thespians, who took to the stage from around midday, entertaining visitors and shoppers.
Other performers included Glee Club Hitchin, Dance Fusion and Stagecoach.
![Christmas lights switch on Hitchin 2024]()
Christmas lights switch on Hitchin 2024 (Image: Hitchin BID) Santa's Parade graced Market Place from 5.30pm, with Father Christmas making his way to the stage for the big switch on at 6pm.
Hitchin BID manager Tom Hardy said: "The Christmas Tree Light Switch On has been growing year on year and is a fantastic example of the community coming together to celebrate our town.
![Father Christmas did the honours in switching the lights on]()
Father Christmas did the honours in switching the lights on (Image: Hitchin BID) "This was a complex event to manage and I’m proud of Danny Pearson and the team for pulling on a well organised event.
"We saw just over 4,000 people descending on the town at peak with various acts on the stage from noon to 8pm.
![Father Christmas did the honours in switching the lights on]()
Father Christmas did the honours in switching the lights on (Image: Hitchin BID) "It marks the start of Christmas in Hitchin and the all important festive shopping which our local business rely on to survive into the new year. People consider our town when shopping and eating out this season."
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