More than 300 carol singers launched their festive preparations at the lighting of their village Christmas tree.
The evening on Sunday celebrated 15 years since the big switch-on was started by parish council chair Wayne Smith.
Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band and St Nicholas Singers helped keep everyone in tune at Hurst’s School Road recreation ground.
On behalf of the organisers, Hurst Parish Council, Councillor Smith said: “We’re grateful to Howard Witten, owner of The Green Man in the village, for switching on the lights and supporting the event for years by providing mulled wine.
“Other helpers included Haines Hill estate, Hurst, which gave us the tree, the silver band and singers, Waitrose, Hurst Cricket Club, the village halls and Hurst parish councillors.
The event was an early celebration of St Nicholas Day on Friday, December 6. The local primary school, St Nicholas, will mark the day with a service at their parish church, St Nicholas.
Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band’s Christmas Brass and Voices concert featuring guest singers, The Barberettes, is on Sunday December 15 at Loddon Hall, Twyford at 5.30pm. Tickets at £8 for adults, with children 12 and under free, are available from 07956 020722, at the door or by emailing waltham.band@gmail.com.
