HUNDREDS of people flocked to see panto stars welcome Christmas to Tadley at the annual lights switch-on.

Last Friday’s festive fun began at 6pm with a Christmas market in the Ambrose Allen Centre, which was packed with stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and treats, including toys, jewellery, crafts and games.

Santa's Grotto proved popular outside the centre, and families with young children queued patiently to meet Father Christmas himself. There was also a juggler and reindeer entertaining the crowds, along with local mascot Dexter the cow.

At 6.30pm, people gathered in front of a stage to sing along to well-known carols, accompanied by members of Tadley Band.

Young and old joined together to perform renditions of tunes such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Councillor David Leeks, chairman of Tadley Town Council, which organised the event, then took to the stage to welcome everyone to the event and to introduce North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young, who attends the lights switch-on every year. It was Sir George’s last festive event as Tadley’s MP as he is standing down at next year’s General Election.

Sir George said: “This evening really is the start of Christmas. This isn't about politics – Christmas is all about unity and people coming together. On behalf of all the people I represent, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas."

The stars of The Gazette-sponsored Cinderella, which is being performed at The Anvil, then took to the stage to officially light up a huge Christmas tree and illuminate street lights along Mulfords Hill.

CBeebies star Katy Ashworth, panto stalwart Sarah Louise Day and West End actor Ben Harlow had the honour of switching on the lights.

Katy, who plays the Fairy Godmother, wished everyone a happy Christmas before pressing the switch to turn Tadley into a twinkling winter wonderland.

The festive event, which is supported by a number of Tadley businesses, raises money for Tadley Community Responders, and the Loddon Valley Lions were busy collecting for the good cause during the evening.