The mince pies and woolly jumpers were out in force last night as Kingston town centre was transformed into a Dickensian winter wonderland for the Christmas lights switch on.  

Surrey Comet:

A visitor poses with street performers

The switch on, which took the theme of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, was celebrated by hundreds with Victorian street magicians, sideshows and travelling circus performers.

Miss Sussex 2015 had the honour of pushing the button with a little help from Kingston's mayor and Santa Claus himself.

Surrey Comet:

Christmas card workshops were also on offer

Mayor Roy Arora said: "It was a privilege to be part of the Christmas lights switch on. Hundreds of people came to celebrate and the sense of community spirit was absolutely fantastic. 

"From circus performances to brass bands, there was truly something for everyone. This is one of the highlights of the year, where we all come together to mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Kingston."

Characters from the Rose Theatre’s own production of Dickens’ novel, which is running through Christmas alongside the Victorian lights, wandered the streets of Kingston’s Christmas Market, which opened after the switch on. The market will run until Christmas Eve.

Surrey Comet:

Children cheer on the grand switch on

Organised by Kingstonfirst, travelling circus the Caravan of Lost Souls showcased fire stilts, chimps, a contortionist and a circus specialist, while Betty Balloon was on hand to create characters out of balloon sculptures.

Surbiton’s British Legion's brass band provided the traditional Christmas tunes and carols from outside John Lewis in Wood Street.