Olympic gold medallist Beth Shriever switches on Finchingfield's Christmas tree lights

Beth joined Santa Claus, his reindeer and a brass band to help Finchingfield mark the start of its festive season.

Olympic BMX racing champion Beth Shriever arrives in a classic car from P & A Wood, ready to switch on the Finchingfield Christmas tree lights (Image: Saffron Photo)

A visit from Santa at Finchingfield (Image: Saffron Photo)

Olympic gold medallist Beth Shriever switches on the Finchingfield Christmas tree lights (Image: Saffron Photo)

The lights switch-on, organised by the Finchingfield Guild and Parish Council, ran alongside a two-day Christmas Market and an Advent Windows showcase.

Finchingfield Parish Council chair Claire Collins praised the volunteers and small businesses who helped put on the show.

A packed weekend of events in Finchingfield, including an appearance by Father Christmas thanks to the Great Dunmow Round Table team (Image: Saffron Photo)

Father Christmas arrives in Finchingfield (Image: Saffron Photo)

A band at Finchingfield's Christmas tree lights switch-on (Image: Saffron Photo)

Councillor Collins said: "It was a great community event and we are really grateful for the support which we and the Guild received.

"There were lots of people out in the village who were there to cheer on Beth Shriever and enjoy each others' company.

"It was fabulous!"

The advent windows event continues on the Finchingfield Guild website: https://www.finchingfield.org/advent-calendar

Finchingfield's Christmas tree (Image: Saffron Photo)

A band for Christmas in Finchingfield (Image: Saffron Phtoo)

Olympic gold medallist Beth Shriever switches on Finchingfield's Christmas tree lights (Image: Saffron Photo)

Christmas in Finchingfield (Image: Saffron Photo)