ALTON'S Market Square was packed on Friday evening for the 13th annual Christmas switch-on ceremony.

Young and old they flocked into town, all eager to capture the moment as Santa Claus pressed the switch to turn on the town's Christmas lighting display.

Organised by Alton Town Council, the event swung into action with some lively carols by brightly clad members of the Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society and Alton Choral Society, accompanied by musicians from the Alton Concert Orchestra.

Also in the limelight were the choir from Anstey Junior School who were in fine voice as they delighted the audience with their Christmas songs.

Welcoming the happy throng were Alton Town Crier, Stan Whitcher, and MC for the evening, local broadcaster, Paul Le Feuvre – both in festive spirit.

The mayor's chaplain, Salvation Army Major Barbara Howe, delivered a seasonal message, focusing on the history of the Christmas tree and the lights that even to this day bring warmth, hope and comfort to all who see them.

This was followed by a robust rendition of Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly which everyone joined in.

Next onto the podium were some of the cast from Holybourne Theatre Company's forthcoming Sleeping Beauty – a lively bunch, led by larger-than-life dame (John Priddle), whose pantomime opens at the end of January. Their antics and robust invitation to "keep out the cold and join in" were rewarded with an enthusiastic rendition of Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and plenty of pantomime banter.

It was down to the mayor, Atul Patel, to thank the audience for supporting the switch-on ceremony and all those who had taken part, including the performers, MC Paul Le Feuvre, Dave Tigg for the PA system, Major Howe, Paul Grace of PJ Grace Commercial and Domestic Garden and Maintenance for his 11th hour sponsorship of the Christmas tree, and deputy town clerk, Greg Burt, for organising the event.

But his most important job was to listen out for Santa Claus (a member of Alton Lions) who arrived on cue, to a bright rendition of Jingle Bells and the delight of all those children present, aboard a striking Ford Mustang convertible, driven by owner Julian Felgate.

Having safely disembarked, the bearded figure in the red coat climbed onto the stage where he was joined by Eggars girl Ellora Sutton, 11, for the official countdown, followed by the pressing of the switch to turn on this year's Christmas lights.

A shaky start resulted in gasps of pleasure as the red and green lights sprang into light around the town and the Christmas tree shimmered with silver-blue pea lights.