A HEREFORDSHIRE border town had a special guest turn on its Christmas lights this year.

Writer of the famous book turned film adaption, War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, joined Hay-on-Wye Citizens of the Year Trish and Alan Kiddle to switch on the town's Christmas lights on Friday (November 25).

Sir Michael Morpurgo is an English book author, poet, playwright, and librettist who is known best for children's novels such as War Horse.

War Horse was made into a film in 2011 and directed by Steven Spielberg.

Hereford Times: People gathered to witness the lights turn on and experience the festivitiesPeople gathered to witness the lights turn on and experience the festivities (Image: Billie Charity)

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The free switch-on event took place in Memorial Square, accompanied by carol singing, stalls, food, mulled wine, and entertainment to kick off the Hay Festival Winter Weekend.

Hay’s classic big red bow on was lit up on the end of the Market House, with Hay’s Christmas tree below.

White lights lined the streets throughout the town.

Over the rest of the weekend there was a Christmas market and events inside Hay Castle.

Hereford Times: The event took place outside the castle and in the Market SquareThe event took place outside the castle and in the Market Square (Image: Billie Charity)

OTHER NEWS:

Festivalgoers enjoyed 52 full-capacity events in and around the booktown of Hay-on-Wye with 4,500 tickets sold.

Now in its 23rd year, in-person events took place in Hay Castle’s Great Hall and Clore Learning Space,

alongside spaces throughout Hay-on-Wye, including St Mary’s Church, the Poetry Bookshop and

Richard Booth’s Bookshop Cinema.