TEEN pop sensation Conor Maynard, Olympian Adam Gemili and Eastenders' bad boy Steve McFadden all helped switch on the area's Christmas lights.

Hundreds gathered in Dartford town centre at the weekend where former X-Factor contestant Gareth Gates performed.

News Shopper: The stars turned out for Dartford's big night

Mr McFadden and other cast members from the Orchard Theatre's Aladdin pantomime joined in, while Dartford's own sprinting sensation Adam Gemili turned on the lights.

News Shopper: The City of Rochester Pipe Band in Gravesend

In Gravesend's St George's Shopping Centre Father Christmas and his reindeer stole the show in a grand parade, while Rock Choir, the City of Rochester Pipe Band and cast members from the Woodville's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime all joined the festive fun.

News Shopper: Screaming fans at Bluewater

One day before, baby-faced pop singer Conor Maynard performed in front of 15,000 screaming fans at Bluewater to unveil the shopping centre's Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto.

Dance troop Flawless and the English National Ballet also showed off their moves.

Conor said afterwards: "The crowd were fantastic, it’s always great to see so many fans. My Christmas has now officially started."