The festivities have finally begun!

Gravesham’s Christmas lights were switched on with a lantern parade featuring 600 school children on Friday.

There was a whole host of street entertainment, music and more.

Youngsters and their parents gathered to watch the streets dazzle in lights whilst street performers wowed the crowds with music and dance.

From brass to samba and pop, music filled the air and the ever-popular Drumming Santa’s made an appearance as well.

A colourful giant Shanti Garuda bird, which sees two cyclists mounted within the body of the animal several feet above the ground, also showed up for the festivities.

The mechanical system created a beautiful wing movement, mesmerising visitors as her wings gently flapped above their heads.

The lantern parade featured children from 12 schools in the area.

The Christmas tree was lit up by the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr David Hurley at around 4.30pm.

As the parade travelled through the town, the Christmas lights were turned on.

The parade walked through Windmill Street into New Road, taking in St Georges Shopping Centre before ending up at Gravesend Borough Market for a light show of fire and thunder.

Dartford’s town centre will also sparkle on today when Holby City and Heartbeat star and the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Joe McFadden joins the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr David Mote, for the big switch on.

The duo will be joined by Santa and the winner of a colouring competition for the Christmas lights switch on at 5.15pm.

However, the build up starts from 2.15pm with families encouraged to head down there.