CROWDS turned out in force to celebrate the switching on of Keighley's Christmas lights.

Organisers estimate that up to 5,000 people attended the event, in the town centre.

Among the star attractions was Andy Day, a presenter on the popular BBC channel CBeebies.

He had a 'meet and greet' with visitors in the Airedale Shopping Centre, where there was also entertainment from Elf & Safety and Ebor Gum.

Then a host of activities took place on stage in Church Green, including an appearance from Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists The Soldiers of Swing – and Santa.

The lights switch-on itself was followed by a fireworks display.

Discover Keighley presented yesterday's ceremony.

Steve Seymour – manager of the Airedale Shopping Centre, where there was free parking all day – said: "We were delighted with how everything went.

"We felt there were certainly as many people present as we've had for previous events.

"Andy Day brought in a big crowd and all the feedback I heard – at the event and via social media – was extremely positive.

"The weather was kind to us too. It was ideal – it stayed dry and wasn't too cold.

"I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to everybody involved in the event and to all those who came along."

With the countdown to Christmas now truly under way, Discover Keighley is encouraging people to support the town's businesses.

It has launched its latest independents campaign.

Shoppers who get three stamps at participating businesses are entered into a prize draw, with the chance of sharing a £25,000 pot.

There are ten weekly and three monthly draws, on Fridays, until the end of January.

Winners will receive vouchers that can be spent at any of the 40-plus premises taking part – which include shops, cafes and restaurants.

The latest campaign follows the success of previous initiatives.

And Discover Keighley, which was responsible for delivering the town’s Business Improvement District, says this venture is the “biggest yet”.

A spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring back the campaign.

“We are all on a long road to recovery post-pandemic and its effects on our community have not gone unnoticed.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have secured enough external funding to deliver this campaign once again.

“It has become a real staple of the local retail community, of which the majority are small and diverse independent businesses.”