Hundreds of people turned out on the streets of Welshpool and Newtown as both lit their Christmas lights at teh weekend.
Newtown's lights were switched on by Town Mayor John Byrne where he was joined by Newtown’s 2022 carnival Queen – and special guest Santa.
Mayor Byrne told the crowd at the event he was proud to be switching on this year’s lights and said: “A big thank you to Rebecca Owen, Newtown Carnival, the Town Council, Gill Bridgwater and all the volunteers that have made the night the success it is.
“An absolutely amazing turnout – I wish everyone a happy festive season and a healthy new year.”
It provided the finale to a day of festivities in the town centre which began with a Christmas Market which was held during the day at Bear Lanes shopping centre.
The evening saw live music from Newtown’s silver band next to the town’s Christmas tree. There was more live music from Ffonic and Tommy Mills at a festival village that was put up outside the town hall, which included a pet the donkey stall, a children’s disco, craft activities such as lantern making and food.
The other major event of the night was the Christmas bike parade which saw cyclists of all ages decorate their bikes in a twirl of Christmas lights to create a spectacular Christmas parade.
The parade kicked off at Hafan Yr Afon and made its way around the town centre before stopping off at the town hall in time to see the lights being switched on.
Welshpool's festival began at 3pm, with market stalls and carnival rides set up along Broad Street. Reindeer and donkeys paid a visit to the crowds in the town centre.
A stage outside Town Hall saw multiple choirs performing on it, including one made up of schoolchildren and another group representing the Penybontfawr Male Voice Choir.
A procession featuring father Christmas set off from Welshpool Tourist Information Centre at 5.40pm before arriving at the Town hall for the switch-on ceremony.
Welshpool Town Mayor Alison Davies and Reverend Adam Pawley both spoke to welcome visitors to the festival before switching on the lights at 6pm.
The Festival did not end there though as people were still free to try the market stalls on Broad Street as well as ones set up in Welshpool Town Hall.
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