The countdown to Christmas will ramp up in Watford today when the town centre lights are turned on during ‘Winterfest’, but events to mark the forthcoming festive season have started earlier in the past.

These pictures from the Watford Observer archive were taken on October 28, 1967 and show the crowds gathering to welcome Santa on a horse-drawn carriage to Cawdells.

It’s 50 years since the department store was demolished to make way for the building of Charter Place, but many people will still have fond memories of shopping for their Christmas presents in the popular shop.

Watford Observer: Plenty of people gathered to see him on his way to the department storePlenty of people gathered to see him on his way to the department store (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look at the pictures on this page. Maybe you can spot yourself or someone you recognise in the crowd as Father Christmas made his way up High Street.