Slough lit up as it was plunged into the festive season with a host of performances for the town's annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

The town came together for its first Christmas light switch-on since 2019, on Saturday, November 26.

Featuring a stage and host of performances, including headline act Apache Indian, the day was packed full of singers, dancers, drummers and DJs.

Slough's MP Tan Dhesi attended the light switch on. He said: "The event was absolutely amazing. It showed the town is alive and kicking.

"Lots of individuals are going through difficult times with the cost of living crisis, but this was a time that after three years we were able to get together.

"We had a huge turnout and I would like to congratulate Slough BID and Asian Star Radio and sponsors for putting on this amazing show."

(Video courtesy of Asian Star Radio: Dhol Drummers)

Organised by Slough BID and Asian Star Radio, the event ran from 1pm to 5pm when the Christmas lights were turned on.

Director of Asian Star Radio Ray Siddique said: "We had a nice turnout right from the word go, it was heaving with lots of people which was great.

"Community cohesion is very important now that Slough has so many different nationalities living here, it was important to reflect that.

"We put on different types of acts, Polish, South Asian, Gospel Choir - we had everything for everybody.

"We wanted to bring unity - it is to do with the environment, crime, promoting Slough in a positive way and living in harmony by understanding each other's cultures."

Slough BID manager Clarissa Parker said: "I was delighted with the turnout.

"Asian Star Radio has an amazing connection of local communities that were so keen to be a part of the event."

Organisers estimate that 750 people were present for the switch-on which took place at 5pm with the help of local dignitaries. 

Apache Indian said: "It was fantastic, the Slough community has such great energy. Sometimes crowds are quiet, and it's raining and cold, but it was a great atmosphere.

"That's what it's all about - music is all about that. Bringing the community together to celebrate Christmas.

"It's been a difficult couple of years.

"It's important what you say in between the songs, about the peace, about love, about unity - times are difficult - about mental health, about violence, whatever it may be.

"People need that upliftment, Christmas is coming but they keep hearing bad news."

(Video courtesy of Asian Star Radio: Apache Indian)

The event is just one in a series of recent events organised by Slough BID, who is spearheading a packed-out calendar for the area, aided by Asian Star Radio and community organisations.