Thousands of people descended upon the town centre for Hucknall's Christmas Festival 2021 last night (Wednesday 1 December).

The festival saw the town's Christmas lights switched on by the Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Councillor Arnie Hankin.

There was much excitement and anticipation as this marked the first Christmas festival in the town for two years after last year's event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

With South Street and Baker Street closed, the event utilised the pedestrianisation of the high street as the range of stalls present stretched from the market down part of the high street too. This enabled people to effortlessly move between the two areas.

There were a range of dance and musical performances in the build up to the lights being switched on, with local schools and dance companies showcasing their talent.

Firefighters from the town were also present and parked their fire engine on Baker Street, near Central Methodist Church. This allowed people an opportunity to have a close look at it, chat to the firefighters and examine the equipment they use on a daily basis.

Being inside a giant inflatable snow globe was one of the main attractions for children and long queues formed around it for much of the evening.

Local resident David Newton said: "This year saw a scaled down event for Covid reasons but it was heart-warming to see it being supported by so many Hucknall folks. Many unpaid volunteers are to thank for putting the event together as well as local pubs and businesses which contributed funds and produce."

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said: "It is fantastic that after the cancellation of last year's events we have been able to go ahead with this year's Christmas Festivals.

"It was great to see so many people come out and support the Hucknall light switch on last night. There was fun for all the family with stalls, and the snow globe, which concluded with the lights being switched on by Cllr Arnie Hankin."

Despite the crowds, there were a few people left feeling a little disappointed with the lack of funfair rides as they had been promised in the build up to the event.

Nevertheless, the number of people who attended showed just how much the people of Hucknall appreciated the return of this event.