Christmas has arrived in Alton - and it’s already been a busy time for members of the Rock Choir.

Looking super smart in their matching black Rock Choir coats and red and white Santa hats, they sang their hearts out during the town’s Christmas lights switch-ons on November 21.

The switch-ons took place outside the Assembly Rooms at 5pm and in Market Square at 5.45pm. There was also a big Christmas market at the event, which ran from 3pm to 7pm.

East Hampshire District Council offered free parking in its car parks from 3pm and visitors turned out in force to see the town’s familiar Christmas lights and tree, plus some new extra lights in the High Street.

A steady stream of families went to see Father Christmas in his grotto at 16 Market Square, and posted their Christmas wishes free in his post box.

There was a lesson in balance from a Christmas tree and an angel on stilts, who walked around the town centre three times in 40-minute shifts.

The Christmas market featured stalls in the Assembly Rooms, High Street, Cross and Pillory Lane, and Market Street, offering gifts, toys, a charity tombola, games, crafts and food.

The centre of the High Street, and from M&S to Cross and Pillory Lane, hosted a funfair. There was more Christmas music and some festive performances inside and outside the Assembly Rooms and in Market Square.

Alton town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on and market fills Alton with warmth, wonder and joy at this time of year. This event not only brightens our High Street but brings our community together.”

She thanked sponsors HSDC Alton, Specsavers Alton, Newbury Building Society, PJ Grace and Sons, Rod Haskins Ltd, Rawlings Opticians, Wild House Play Café, YEM, The Market Hotel and the Assembly Rooms.