Crowds of people gathered to watch a town centre start to sparkle.

Dartford's Big Christmas switch on event saw visitors pack the streets for a glimpse of merry magic.

The festivities began in the afternoon as families enjoyed performances from a variety of acts including Twist and Pulse, Orchard Theatre Choir, Leanne Kyte as Ariana Grande and Glenn Owens as Bruno Mars.

The official switch on saw crowds join in with the countdown as Holby City star and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2017, Joe McFadden was joined by the mayor of Dartford, Cllr David Mote and this years colouring in competition winner eight year old Olivia Moss to turn on the lights.

Leader of Dartford council Jeremy Kite said: “Lots of councils don’t do this kind of thing and they don’t know what they are missing.

"I think this year’s switch on was one of the best attended ever and there was such a friendly, excited buzz from the very beginning to the very end.

"Dartford is not one of those council’s that’s let Christmas fall down their priorities.

"It’s a magical time of the year for the town and it’s people. I was there yesterday and it showed the town at its very best. There’s been a huge positive reaction on social media and it’s great to know that families had a good time. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"