Fields of pansies, a lion, dancing frogs, fish, Christmas trees, werewolves and monkeys took over Slough High Street on Saturday.

It was the most exotic Christmas lights switch-on ceremony the town had ever seen - and thousands of people turned out to join in the fun despite the rain.

It marked the climax of months of planning by HOME Slough, the 'arts and community' organisation whose pop-up centre in the High Street has been funded by the Arts Council to bring exciting activities to the town over the next three years.

HOME Slough commissioned three other arts organisations ArtReach, Mandinga Arts and Same Sky to help create the amazing event.

The event had brought together different community organisations around Slough based in five workshops over the course of the year creating the internally lit pillars that illuminated the High Street on Saturday with glowing images of animals inside.

An amazing procession saw the High Street awash with animated creatures and plants.

The Slough based Creative Academy Dance School was also involved as a human 'field of pansies' led the colourful carnival parade followed by a majestic lion, dancing frogs, fish, water lilies, Christmas trees, werewolves and high spirited monkeys. There was musical accompaniment and the delighted crowd were able to get selfies with their favourite characters.

HOME Slough Director, Saad Edine Said said, “It’s always exciting to see creatives and communities coming together and pulling out such a fantastic event. The High Street was alive with sounds, performances and lights. People from all ages were dancing and having fun and I was really delighted that HOME Slough has been able to support and commission this work while collaborating with all our fantastic partners.”

Look out for the new Programme of events from HOME Slough in the new year at https://homeslough.org.uk/