The festive season started in style with a day of celebrations in Bromley culminating in the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Thousands enjoyed a fun-packed day that started with music, choirs, face-painting and entertainment in The Glades.

A host of acts took to the stage in Market Square throughout the day, including The Churchill Theatre Singers, Bromley Little Theatre and a dance performance from GDND Academy.

A popular highlight of the day was the Santa Dash, which saw people of every age walk, run, skip, hop and jump through Bromley in full Father Christmas garb.

As the sun set, drumming band Spark lit up the High Street and led the way for the fairytale parade.

Wrapped up in fur coats, panto stars Lesley Joseph and Charlotte Haines, who will be appearing in Cinderella at the Churchill Theatre, were brought to the stage via a horse and carriage.

They then switched the lights on alongside Helen Candy, winner of the 2018 local hero competition.

The day’s events were organized by Your Bromley, the business improvement district for Bromley town centre, The Glades and the Churchill Theatre.

Frances Forest, BID manager, said: “We really hope Bromley’s shoppers enjoyed the spectacular show this weekend.

“We love bringing Christmas festivities to the town centre and we hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

“Our town looks beautiful lit up for Christmas and we are proud to help make this happen.”