Thousands of people filled the Parade in Leamington yesterday (Sunday) for the town's festive lights switch-on event.
The event was held as part of the town's celebrations of Diwali and the start of the countdown to Christmas and included a yuletide market with 60 stalls, street food vendors a children's fair and a programme of live music and entertainment.
Dance company Thirak entertained visitors on the stage by performing Bollywood and Indian folk-dance routines on behalf of the Shri Krishna Temple in Leamington in celebration of Diwali.
The Sikh celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s forthcoming Gurpurab was also marked at the switch-on event with Kirtan (spiritual music) by Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick.
Cast members from the Royal Spa Centre’s panto Aladdin also took to the stage just before Santa switched the lights on, with entertainment from Enchanted Tea Rooms closing the event.
The Rotary Tree of Light to raise money for the Myton Hospices was once again illuminated outside the town hall, with each light dedicated to the memory of a family member or friend, allowing them to be remembered at Christmas.
Photos by Sarah Miners of S Miners Photos.
![The children's fair was a big attraction at the Leamington festive lights switch-on event on Sunday (November 7).](https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTM0Njg2MjE0.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Leamington light switch on
The children's fair was a big attraction at the Leamington festive lights switch-on event on Sunday (November 7). Photo: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos)
![Live music and entertainment on the stage at the Leamington festive lights switch-on event.](https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTM0Njg2MjE1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Leamington light switch on
Live music and entertainment on the stage at the Leamington festive lights switch-on event. Photo: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos)
![The Parade in Leamington was busy even before the big festive lights switch-on event which took place on Sunday evening (November 7).](https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTM0Njg2MjE2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Leamington light switch on
The Parade in Leamington was busy even before the big festive lights switch-on event which took place on Sunday evening (November 7). Photo: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos)
![Leamington town centre after the festive lights were switched on for the first time in 2021 yesterday (Sunday November 7). Credit: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos).](https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTM0Njg2MjE4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Leamington light switch on
Leamington town centre after the festive lights were switched on for the first time in 2021 yesterday (Sunday November 7). Credit: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos). Photo: Sarah Miners (S Miners Photos)