Pictures of Hereford's Christmas lights switch-on 2017

These are the first pictures of Hereford's Christmas lights 2017.

The festivities officially began at Hereford's Old Market on Saturday when Santa Claus met visitors along with Dinky the Elf, the Ice Queen and Jack Frost.

Then in High Town today the lights were switched on by former X Factor stars Chico, Lucy Spraggan and Nicola Marie.

There was a record turnout of 6,000 people, according to Sunshine Radio, who organised the entertainment. Acts included Hereford Soul Choir, 3Degreez Cheerleaders, Chico and Lucy Spraggan.

There was a mixed reaction to the lights, and you can read what people thought about the event on the Hereford Times Facebook page.

We'll have a more comprehensive report of the switch-on later.

Where and when to see the Christmas lights switch-on in Herefordshire

Huge turnout in #Hereford for the Christmas lights turn on! pic.twitter.com/1nelNeAx9D
— Father Matthew (@matthewcashmore) November 19, 2017

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Starting to getting the Christmas feeling🎄 #Christmas #christmastree #christmaslights #oldmarkethereford #christmasiscoming

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#hereford #hightown #christmaslights #lucyspraggan #herefordcathedral #cathedral #nighttime #amateurphotography #nightsky #sparkly #lights #xmaslights #canoncamera #sunshineradio #cold #wintersevening

Just had a fab time with @chicotimechico at Hereford Christmas Lights switch on! Thanks for having us @SunshineRadio #Courtnapping #chicotime pic.twitter.com/DuedeX2NNM
— The Courtyard (@CourtyardArts) November 19, 2017

Hereford Times:

Hereford Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture by Jules Annan/Concert Photography

Hereford Times:

Hereford Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture by Jules Annan/Concert Photography

Hereford Times: