WITH the festive season approaching, we take a look at Tynedale's past Christmas light switch on events which have taken place over the years.

In 2021, Father Christmas switched on Hexham's lights on November 26.

Hexham Courant: Hundreds gather to see the enormous Christmas tree outside Hexham Abbey all lit upHundreds gather to see the enormous Christmas tree outside Hexham Abbey all lit up (Image: Newsquest)

Carol singers gathered in the Shambles, while Hexham Middle School Orchestra played carols in the bandstand.

Hexham Courant: Corbridge Christmas lights in 2019Corbridge Christmas lights in 2019 (Image: Kate Buckingham)

Crowds in Haltwhistle were not disappointed by their own Christmas light switch on, as they were treated to performances from Hannah Lucy Stage School and carols from Haltwhistle Academy Choir.

Hexham Courant: Vikings perform outside Hexham’s Queens Hall at the annual Christmas lights switch on in 2019Vikings perform outside Hexham’s Queens Hall at the annual Christmas lights switch on in 2019 (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In 2020, due to the Covid pandemic, crowds had to stay away from the Christmas light switch on.

Hexham Courant: Prudhoe's lights in 2016Prudhoe's lights in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

However, the event still went ahead with town Mayor, Councillor Bob Hull and Tobias Zimmerman, from Hexham-based chipboard manufacturer Egger, on hand to do the honours.

Hexham Courant: The Festival of Flame outside Hexham AbbeyThe Festival of Flame outside Hexham Abbey (Image: KATE BUCKINGHAM.)

In 2019, Hexham's switch-on event included live music, a balloon entertainer, hot chocolate, a candlelit service and the Festival of Flame in Hexham Abbey.

Hexham Courant: Santa turned on Hexham’s Christmas lights in 2016Santa turned on Hexham’s Christmas lights in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

Vikings also performed outside Hexham's Queens Hall.

Hexham Courant: Mickley First School pupils entertain the crowds at the Prudhoe Christmas lights switch on in 2016Mickley First School pupils entertain the crowds at the Prudhoe Christmas lights switch on in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

In 2016, Father Christmas flipped the switch and lit up the giant Christmas tree outside of Hexham Abbey.

Hexham Courant: Hundreds went to see Hexham’s lights switched on in 2021Hundreds went to see Hexham’s lights switched on in 2021 (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In Prudhoe, characters from children's television show Paw Patrol showed up for the big switch-on, while Mickley First School pupils performed carols to crowds and Prudhoe's Co-op store provided complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.

Hexham Courant: Corbridge Christmas lights 2019Corbridge Christmas lights 2019 (Image: Kate Buckingham)

What are your memories of Tynedale’s Christmas lights over the years?

Write and let our readers know.