There is a way to go yet, but the details of the Watford Christmas lights switch-on have already been revealed.

During the town's Winterfest event, from 2pm to 6pm on November 23, the LED installation will light up for the festive season and remain on until January 2025.

The switch-on will immediately follow a parade, set to start outside the Metro Bank and McDonald’s in Lower High Street at 4pm. It will include a marching band, costume characters, community groups, and “special guests” making their way to the town pond over around 30 minutes.

(Image: Watford BID) Even before the parade begins, the town centre will be offering Christmas activities, funfair rides, food and drink stalls, and live music.

The celebration aims to offer a “community feel with a fun Christmas vibe” and entry will be free.

(Image: Watford BID) Watford Town Centre BID is funding Winterfest for the sixth year running, with contribution from the borough council.

Based on what has been shared so far, it appears the 2024 event will be similar to last year’s, when organisers opted to try something new in order to “encourage people to stay around the town centre for longer and visit local businesses”.

(Image: Watford BID) It offered a longer event with a wider range of activities but no Watford celebrity to turn on the lights or even a stage as its centrepiece.

BID has not confirmed whether a celebrity has been invited to turn the lights on this year and said full details will be revealed in early October.