THE festive season in Chester-le-Street was launched on Saturday when the town's Christmas lights were officially switched on.
District council chairman Tom Harland turned on the lights that adorn the Christmas tree near the Market Place and which are also strung across Front Street.
There was a party atmosphere to get people in the seasonal spirit, with performances by the town's civic choir, the Territorial Army Cadet band, the Lumley Castle Singers, the Salvation Army Band and the Churches Together Choir.
Town crier Marjorie Dodds braved the rain to read a proclamation, which declared the start of the afternoon's events.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article