There was a bigger than ever crowd for the Christmas lights switch-on in Great Dunmow, on Saturday, November 2, with Father Christmas himself pulling the switch, introduced by The Mayor of Great Dunmow, Councillor Danielle Frost.

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Among the entertainers were dancers from the Granary Studio in the Market Place and the Dunmow Rock Choir.

Dunmow Broadcast: Santa prepares to turn on the Dunmow Christmas lights 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOSanta prepares to turn on the Dunmow Christmas lights 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

One of the popular features was a snow globe with artificial snow inside it and a chance for visitors to take pictures of themselves in it.

Dunmow Broadcast: Santa prepares to turn on the Dunmow Christmas lights 2017 - but not before a selfie. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOSanta prepares to turn on the Dunmow Christmas lights 2017 - but not before a selfie. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Cllr Frost said: “It was fantastic. Last year drew a big crowd but this year’s was even bigger. The Santa’s Grotto behind the Rose Garden was booked out. Everything was free in exchange for donations.

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

“There was a wonderful, friendly atmosphere, everyone was in a good mood, drinking mulled wine and feeling really Christmassy.

Dunmow Broadcast: Dance Theatre Group performs at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODance Theatre Group performs at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

“The whole of the high street was full of people. People don’t mind being out in the cold if they can have mulled wine or hot chocolate and hear music.

Dunmow Broadcast: No Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTONo Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

“It brought a lot of visitors to the town and was absolutely brilliant.”

Dunmow Broadcast: No Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTONo Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: No Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTONo Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: No Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTONo Limits perform at Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Children dance to No Limits at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOChildren dance to No Limits at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Children dance to No Limits at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOChildren dance to No Limits at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Marigold and Clover the reindeer at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOMarigold and Clover the reindeer at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Marigold and Clover the reindeer at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTOMarigold and Clover the reindeer at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Primary School sings at the town's Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))

Dunmow Broadcast: Dunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTODunmow Christmas lights switch on 2017. Picture: SAFFRON PHOTO (Image: Saffron Photo 2017 (Archant commissioned))