The sound of carols and the smell of mulled wine filled the air as thousands gathered to witness the switch-on of Christmas lights along a Buckinghamshire high street this weekend.

Local keyworkers who have assisted in vaccinations throughout the pandemic turned on the lights in Princes Risborough for a thronging crowd of spectators at the weekend.

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Live music

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There was music, food stands, rides for the children, artisan stalls, drinks, and of course, Santa’s Grotto, all with queues of eager public braving the bitter night air.

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Bucks Free Press: Many were enjoying the pop-up skating rink in the Market Square right alongside live music from a choir, while others chose to wander the high street with their family enjoying a hot beverage and sampling the many foods for sale.

For the kids there was an inflatable slide, Hook-a-Duck, fair rides, candy floss, glowing balloons, and a chance to sit on the knee of Santa to tell what they hoped to receive on Christmas morning.

The crowds were thick up and down the high street all afternoon, many wrapped tightly against the cold air and clutching a warm mulled wine while meeting neighbours.

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Rides for the kids

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Bright lights 

Bucks Free Press: Cllr Alan Turner remarked on the success of the afternoon, telling how “thousands” had passed through the event in a few hours.

Smiles were wide at the switching on of the lights which marked the festivities, and many stayed on to enjoy the glow of the decorations over shops and businesses.

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Hot drinks for sale

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Skating rink

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Choir singing 

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Santa's Grotto

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Hook-a-duck

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Glowing balloons

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High St lights

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Christmas glow

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