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.

Hexham Courant: Hundreds gather to see the enormous Christmas tree outside Hexham Abbey all lit up a few years agoHundreds gather to see the enormous Christmas tree outside Hexham Abbey all lit up a few years ago (Image: NQ)

In 2021, Father Christmas switched on Hexham's lights on November 26 while carol singers gathered in the Shambles, while Hexham Middle School Orchestra played carols in the bandstand.

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

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

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

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: The Festival of Flame outside Hexham AbbeyThe Festival of Flame outside Hexham Abbey (Image: Kate Buckingham)Vikings also performed outside Hexham's Queens Hall.

Hexham Courant: Vikings perform outside Hexham’s Queens Hall at the annual Christmas lights switch on in 2019 Vikings perform outside Hexham’s Queens Hall at the annual Christmas lights switch on in 2019 (Image: Kate Buckingham)In 2016, Father Christmas flipped the switch and lit up the giant Christmas tree outside of Hexham Abbey.

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

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

Write and let our readers know.