New Malden twinkled into life on Friday when Father Christmas made a special detour to kickstart the towns festive celebrations by switching on the Christmas lights.
The absence of any Christmas lights last year led to a mammoth fundraising effort by traders and individuals, who managed to secure £5,000 in sponsorship from Fulham Football Club to prevent New Malden from falling into darkness once again.
Fridays ceremony was the culmination of the efforts of the New Malden Rotary Club and members of the Malden Fortnight Committee.
Crowds lined the High Street to watch Santa arrive in his sleigh, accompanied by Fulham captain Chris Coleman. The procession was led by the New Malden Girls Brigade Band.
And, after the official switch on of the lights, there were carols performed by the Jenny Hunt dance troupe and a chance for the youngest spectators to meet Father Christmas.
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