GALLERY: ‘Brilliant turnout’ for annual Festival of Lights extravaganza in Beaconsfield

Residents turned out in their droves for the annual festive celebration, which saw businesses open late and handing out refreshments and free products, bands and choirs perform on stage, stilt walkers, fairground rides and food and craft stalls.

Father Christmas himself even made an appearance in his sleigh. 

Barry Moxley, of the organising committee, said the turnout was ‘brilliant’ and expected that the number of visitors was even higher than last year.

He said: “It went very well and it seemed like there were lots more people this year.

“It was a good start to Christmas, a lovely family-friendly event. Lots of children and families came out for the evening.

“It was a very busy evening. The new laser light show went down very well and the helter skelter was a new addition this year and was very popular. It was great to see so many people enjoying the stage performances as well.”

Arguably the highlight of the event, the lantern parade, saw hundreds of children with their own decorated lamps walk from Sunrise of Beaconsfield in Station Road, over the railway bridge to the Town Hall green.

This year the lanterns were ‘Winter Wonderland’ themed and Mr Moxley said he was impressed with the children’s work on creating them.

He said: “There were lots of children involved in the parade, it seemed to go on for a very long time. The lanterns were decorated brilliantly, the children were very creative. Some were very sparkly and colourful.”

Despite a quick downpour towards the end of the evening, Mr Moxley said it did not dampen people’s festive spirit.

He said: “Good crowds turned out to listen to the performers on stage and the carols and all the businesses who stayed open late were quite busy.

“It was a very positive evening. It is quite an undertaking to put this event on.

“First and foremost we want people to have a great time but our primary concern is to make sure people are safe so it is nice to be able to report that we had no incidents.

“We would welcome feedback and contributions before we start planning next year’s event.”

Town mayor John Read said the Rotary Club, who organised the event, did an 'amazing' job. 

He said: "It takes some doing to put on an event like this and they did amazingly. 

"The weather wasn't too cold and we got a really good turnout, which created more of a vibe and made it more exciting. 

"The schoolchildren did a brilliant job in the parade." 

Next year’s festival is expected to take place on Wednesday, December 14 2016.