traditionally heralds the beginning of the festive season, was hailed last night as the biggest and best yet.

Buoyed by news the previous night that the Old Town had been given United Nations World Heritage Status, around 1,000 people took to the streets.

Historic buildings such as the Globe Hotel, Tucker House and Old Rectory were decked out in Christmas decorations and the unfinished church was lit up. The crowds were treated to a gospel choir and carols and a series of historic readings during the tour.

National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge said last night: "This has been going for about 20 years and it was probably the biggest turn-out yet.

"The day before, it was announced that St. George's had been made a World Heritage site, so there was a lot of excitement around St. George's.

"It was absolutely lovely, a magical Christmas feeling, and I've had a lot of people coming up to me saying it was a really gorgeous experience.''