HUNDREDS of people gathered for Hereford’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

Hereford City Council said it had partnered with Sunshine Radio for the “incredible lights switch-on show”.

The city council said the “spectacular” LED lights will brighten the city this winter and are of a new design with changing colours.

Hundreds of people gathered around the stage in the centre of High Town to watch a series of acts and performances before the lights were turned on at 5pm.

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Hereford Times: High Town at Hereford Christmas lights switch on 2022High Town at Hereford Christmas lights switch on 2022 (Image: Hattie Young)

People of all ages were there to enjoy the entertainment.

There were fairground rides that families with children were busy enjoying, and the atmosphere was buzzing with lots of people.

Local musicians, theatre performers from One Talent Vision School, as well as dance groups LDS and Lost Spirits, wowed the crowd.

Characters Chase and Marshall from children’s TV show Paw Patrol played games with three contestants on the stage.

Hereford singer Jake Gamble also performed on the night.

Hereford Times: Commercial Street during Hereford Christmas lights switch on Commercial Street during Hereford Christmas lights switch on (Image: Hattie Young)

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Also known as Jake of Diamonds, the Bulmers factory worker starred in the most recent series of the singing talent show The Voice UK.

He sang the song Words, that so impressed judge Sir Tom Jones.

He also performed his new song that was due to be released if he won the show.

Anthonia Edwards, who won this year’s The Voice UK, performed her new single among other songs.

Hereford Times: Sunshine Radio stage in High Town for the Hereford Christmas lights switch on Sunshine Radio stage in High Town for the Hereford Christmas lights switch on (Image: Hattie Young)

The countdown finally came, with the Mayor of Hereford Mark Dykes joining 10-year-old Logan, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour, and the Sunshine Radio presenters surrounding a big red button to turn on the lights.

Hereford’s Christmas tree stood pride of place in the centre of town decorated in its colourful lights.

High Town, Commercial Street, St Owen’s Street, Broad Street, and Commercial Road were all lit up.

Hereford Times: Betty Boo at Hereford Christmas lights switch on Betty Boo at Hereford Christmas lights switch on (Image: Hattie Young)

The headline act at the event this year was English singer, songwriter and pop-rap artist Betty Boo.

She became popular in the late 1980s after a collaboration with the Beatmasters on the song Hey DJ/I Can’t Dance.

After the lights were switched on, and people looked up in awe at the bright colours, Betty Boo performed her new and old music.