SCORES of Penistone residents braved the arctic weather on Saturday to mark the start of the festive period as town mayor Coun Paul Hand-Davis switched on the Christmas lights.
Coun Hand-Davis used a traditional plunger to light up the town as the sun went down.
Spectators were then treated to traditional carols performed by Churches Together and Thurlstone Brass Band.
There was also a comical sketch by Penistone Theatre Group taken from their pantomime, Sinbad.
Coun Hand-Davis said: "It was great this year. It was chilly but it was dry and there were no bad winds like last year when the decorations were blown down.
"The tradition has been going for more than 20 years and it seems to get better each year. It's great for the kids and for bringing everyone in the town together."
