Broadcaster and winner of last year's Strictly Come Dancing, Hamza Yassin, switched on Hay-on-Wye's Christmas lights this evening in front of a large crowd.

The broadcaster lit up the town following a 10-second countdown, which was met with joy and enthusiasm by those there.

The event was co-hosted by Hay Town Council, Hay Chamber of Commerce and Hay Markets, and started at 5pm in Memorial Square, where the crowd were accompanied by carol singers, food, mulled wine and entertainment to give a rousing start to Hay Festival Winter Weekend, which runs to Sunday, November 26.

As well as switching on the town's Christmas lights Hamza is at the Festival to launch his new book, Be a Birder, in a sold-out event on Saturday, November 25 and is also hosting a family nature walk in the afternoon.

Explore the full programme and book tickets at hayfestival.org/winter-weekend.