Record crowds packed the city’s streets to see Canterbury lit up for Christmas - but the festive spectacle was met with mixed reaction.

About 6,000 people watched as singers and pantomime stars took to the stage before the lights were flicked on last Thursday.

But some onlookers posted their disappointment on Facebook, branding the £70,000 illuminations “pathetic” and questioning how sparse they are.

Sarah Sims wrote: “Residents of Canterbury let down again... Canterbury should be glowing.”

But organiser Bob Jones, from the Canterbury Business Improvement District, which funded the lights through trader contributions, defended the festive bulbs.

“We don’t go for the full-blown flashing bright lights as that wouldn’t fit in with the Canterbury scene,” he said. “Instead it is a mixture of soft and bright light which complements the city.

“People can say what they think as it’s entirely up to them, but I disagree with them.

“Without our Christmas illuminations, the businesses would not get the boost they do. The city does well from having the lights go up.

“The switch-on went smoothly, which is always a big relief, and the feedback from restaurants and traders has been positive.

“It is very expensive to run but it’s absolutely worth it. Everyone loves to see Christmas lights, especially so in beautiful Canterbury.”

Lola Brocklebank agreed, posting: “How is it disappointing when they have been the same lights for the past few years?

“I actually like them as they are not garish or in your face, they are quite classy and I think they are done well.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Rosemary Doyle flicked the switch at 6.45pm and a 25ft tree was lit up in Longmarket.

“It was a fabulous evening and the crowd was the biggest we have ever had,” Mr Jones said.

“Our lights spread from St George’s Street to St Dunstan’s and to Castle Street, so we try to cover a lot of the Canterbury.

“You look at somewhere like Maidstone and they illuminate a small area - but we cover the breadth of the city centre to make sure that almost every street has lights.”