CHRISTMAS is officially underway in Stratford following the switch-on of the town’s lights.
Crowds gathered outside the Town Hall to take part in a countdown as Mayor Juliet Short did the honours with the help of youngsters Ingrid Ash and Sophie Evans-Lee as a thankyou for their dedicated charity work.
The traditional fireworks following the lights switch on were replaced by snow machines this year.
In the run up to the event people enjoyed the festive market which featured everything from gifts to festive food and more while carols were sung by youngsters from the district’s schools.
And Santa Clause was in his grotto to hear what good boys and girls wanted to unwrap on Christmas morning.