23 of the best pictures from Portadown's Christmas lights switch-on

The Christmas season officially arrived in Portadown on Friday evening with the switching on of the town’s festive lights.

Large crowds gathered to enjoy a memorable night filled with music, fun and spectacular entertainment.

There were plenty of cheers as Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray, along with Santa and his helpers, lit up the town with colour and sparkle.

Tony Hendron took these fabulous photos at the big event, the first of the council’s switch-on ceremonies across the borough.

9. Christmas switch-on

Santa and guests on stage. PT46-217. Photo: TONY HENDRON

Part of the crowd at the lights switch on. PT46-216. Photo: TONY HENDRON

Santa and Lord Mayor of ABC Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray switch on the Portadown lights on Friday night. PT46-217A. Photo: TONY HENDRON

Anna Richardson (7), left, and her sister Ellie (5) posing with Frosty the Snowman. PT46-219. Photo: TONY HENDRON