Harpenden became ablaze with festive lights after the town's big lights switch-on today.

Despite the wet and cold weather hundreds of people packed out Harpenden town centre for a spectacular afternoon of Christmas festivities.

The merry crowd were joined by local music star Escala’s violinist, Izzy Johnston, and Harpenden Mayor Pat Kent at around 4.30pm to push the plunger to illuminate the town centre with festive lights.

Since Escala's rise to fame as finalists on ITV’s Britains’ Got Talent, the glamorous string quartet have performed in front of thousands at a charity concert in Twickenham Stadium and entertained a crowd of football fans at the Community Shield match between Manchester United and Portsmouth in August.

The day, organised by The Harpenden Christmas Carnival Committee, boasted a jam-packed programme of events including a Farmers’ Market, a carnival procession, funfair and a Santa’s Grotto.

Before taking to the stage, Izzy, a former St George’s pupil from Roundwood Park, told the Review: “I’m in Harpenden quite a lot - it really is home for me. When I was asked to turn on the lights I couldn’t believe it I was so pleased.

"I’m a very Christmassy person so it’s so nice to be home for the light switch on. It’s so exciting.

“I must thank everyone locally for all the support they gave us through the competition. It’s great to have the backing from my home town and to be surrounded by so many lovely people.”

The 24-year-old admitted: “I was asked to play tonight but without the other girls it didn’t seem right and also it wouldn’t have worked without them.

Councillor Kent said: “It has given me great pleasure in turning on the Christmas lights along with Harpenden’s very own Izzy Johnson.”

She added: ”The Harpenden Christmas Carnival is a spectacular event which involves a tremendous amount of hard work by many individuals and organisations proud of our community.

“It helps provide awareness and raises funds for a variety of charities as well as encouraging people into the town to appreciate the wonderful array of shops and restaurants.”

Committee treasurer Michael Weaver, said: “The Carnival Group would sincerely like to thank all those organisations who have enabled us to put this whole event on by sponsorship and supporting the day in so many ways, particularly our main sponsor The Review newspaper.”