Christmas cheer is here in Great Dunmow as crowds gathered for the town's lights switch-on and festive market.

The event was opened on Saturday, November 26 by Mayor of Great Dunmow Cllr Patrick Lavelle, with support from town crier Jody Huizar.

Dunmow Broadcast: Town crier Jody Huizar at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on with Mayor Patrick LavelleTown crier Jody Huizar at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on with Mayor Patrick Lavelle (Image: Mike Perry)

Grace from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School won a competition to design a poster advertising the event, and as a prize got to be the person who switched on the lights

There was also a bouncy castle, a teacups ride and bungee trampolines, and children had a chance to meet Santa in his grotto at the Saracens Head Hotel, with festive food and drink for families to enjoy while they waited.

Dunmow Broadcast: The Dunmow Christmas lights switch onThe Dunmow Christmas lights switch on (Image: Mike Perry)

Live music was provided by The Great Dunmow Community Choir, Nancy May, Great Dunmow Primary School Choir and Leyla Sully.

There were also performances from Rom Theatre Arts Kids, Legally Blonde by the Dunmow Theatre Company, Taya Morgan and the Granary Dance Studio.

Dunmow Broadcast: The Dunmow Christmas lights switch onThe Dunmow Christmas lights switch on (Image: Mike Perry)

Mikki Rom of Rom Theatre Arts was thanked for organising the entertainment.

Alan Stratton, of the Great Dunmow Town Team, said: "The event was extremely well attended."

Dunmow Broadcast: The Dunmow Christmas lights switch onThe Dunmow Christmas lights switch on (Image: Mike Perry)

The lights switch-on was organised by the Great Dunmow Businesses Town Team, with financial support from Great Dunmow Town Council and Uttlesford District Council.

Dunmow Broadcast: Father Christmas made an appearance at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch-onFather Christmas made an appearance at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Mike Perry)