DELIGHTED late night shoppers gathered to see Town manager Peter Jackson switch on Huddersfield's Christmas lights.
He got the festive season off to a great start by flicking the switch on The Piazza at 6.30pm with local soul singer Keith Campbell who appeared on ITV's Stars in Their Eyes as Marvin Gaye.
Crowds were out in force to stock up on Christmas goodies with many stores opening until 8pm.
And ringing tills competed with popular tunes from the giant Home FM roadshow.
Last night was the first of six Thursday late-night shopping events in the town giving shoppers the chance to shop until dark.
And a new addition to this year's event, which will provide a welcome boost to shoppers laden with heavy bags, will be a road train travelling around the town centre. Weary shoppers will be able to travel for just 10 pence, which will be donated to Kirkwood Hospice.
And there will be well marked train stops on the Piazza, in King Street, Kingsgate, the Pack Horse Centre and in New Street for passengers to get on and off.
An added boost for drivers is free parking on street and in all Kirklees controlled car parks on Thursdays from 4pm during the late night shopping period and all day on Sundays.
Last night also saw the lights switched on in the Kingsgate shopping centre.
Santa Claus was an early arrival in the centre and was joined by Town footballer Anthony Lloyd, several festive helpers and Beattie Bear.
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