PICTURES: An online countdown and virtual switch on as Boston is lit up for Christmas

It would normally be a night that marked the start of seasonal festivities in the town, with the Christmas market also taking place.

But the ongoing restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic meant a much more low-key start for the lights.

Those behind the lights have worked as hard as ever this year to ensure the town is as festive and bright as possible.

While there may not be the same amount of Christmas shoppers and revellers as normal with Tier 3 meaning hospitality businesses remain closed except for takeaway, those visiting the town centre can still enjoy the spectacle of the lights.

And Boston Borough Council has teamed up with Christmas in Boston and Electric Egg to create a video showing a virtual lights switch on video, funded by the Boston Area Town Committee, which people can watch online at home.

The council has also set up with Visit Boston a Virtual Christmas Market for local businesses to showcase their goods.

Cllr Paul Goodale, Chairman of Boston Town Area Committee, said: “It is such a shame we have to cancel the ever popular Christmas event in Boston but I would like to thank Christmas in Boston once again for lighting up our Town and hope it brings lights and joy to many families in these difficult times.”

The ‘Christmas in Boston’ committee was created early in 2017 to raise funds to light up the town for Christmas and has continued to do so ever since.

The group has this year set up an online album of almost 80 pictures of the town centre lights for anyone who can’t get out to see them.

Click here to see the pictures at the Christmas in Boston Facebook pageChairman of the group Andrew Lovelace said: “Thanks to all the electricians involved for all the free time they have given to give Boston some Christmas Lights this year in this difficult times.

“And thanks to all the volunteers of the Christmas in Boston group for all they do. Without them, it wouldn’t have happened this year.”

Links to both the Christmas in Boston switch-on video and the Virtual Christmas Market can be found at www.visitbostonuk.com