BURNLEY Band’s Christmas season started with the switching on of the Christmas lights at Padiham on Friday.

For the dedication, they played “Away in a Manger” and “Once in Royal David’s City” from the Town Hall foyer. Then they moved into the main hall and played a selection of Christmas and other music during the Rotary Club Christmas Fayre.

Musical Director Patricia Brierley said “It was a very enjoyable occasion.”

Santa also paid a surprise visit to the switch on and children from St John the Baptist RC Primary School entertained with some Christmas carols.

"We were there for background music, but we could see everybody enjoying themselves and we had a number of appreciative comments.”