On Thursday 20 November, Ashby Market Street was flooded with people for the Ashby Christmas Light Switch On and Late Night Shopping Event.

The Lamb was serving up festive street food (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Father Christmas stopped by The Bulls Head (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Lots of shops remained open until 8pm, with pubs and restaurants opening their doors and offering festive treats and mulled wine.

Focus on Fashion festive window (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Royston and Lund held a raffle for Cancer Research (Photo: Grace Kennington)

At 7.30pm, locals gathered around the Christmas Tree on Market Street for the countdown and Christmas Light Switch on, attended by Buddy the Elf and the town's lion mascot.

Ready for the Big Switch On!

The shops on Market Street, Mill Lane Mews and Rushton Yard had beautifully decorated windows and were bustling with shoppers supporting Ashby's great local business.

(And, as always, a special mention to this dog in a Christmas dress - highlight of our evening!)