Christmas Cracker street party kicks off festive season in St Albans

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The city centre was closed to traffic from 12 noon until 6pm yesterday, and families could visit Santa's grotto, food, drink and gift stalls, funfair rides, a giant snow globe and a children's activities tent.

There were also live music at the main stage by the Beech House, and by the Clock Tower, and at 5pm there was a countdown to the Christmas lights being switched on.

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

Mayor of St Albans Cllr Janet Smith, who switched on the Clock Tower illuminations, said: "I was taken aback by the size of the crowds - they were huge.

"The atmosphere was electric throughout the day and there was so much for people to do, with children extremely well catered for."

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The event was organised by St Albans district council and city centre businesses in the Albans Business Improvement District (BID).

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

The Christmas Cracker street party in St Albans. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

One of the new St Albans installations. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

St Albans Christmas Cracker - photo by Craig Shepheard. (Image: Archant)

St Albans Christmas Cracker - photo by Craig Shepheard. (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, November 18. Picture: Laura Bill (Image: Archant)

St Albans Christmas Cracker festival - picture by John Searle. (Image: Archant)