Thousands of people flocked to town for its biggest Christmas parade ever.

The countdown to Christmas officially started in Gravesham on Friday, when crowds gathered in Gravesend town centre to watch and take part in a procession through the streets followed by the festive lights switch-on.

More than 2,000 people joined the lantern parade, making it the biggest festive one to date.

Music to keep everyone moving to the beat was provided by bands including Bloco Fogo Samba, Kings of Dhol, Crocodile Brass and DDFK Brass.

Sixteen schools put on a colourful lantern display, with work pupils had created themselves in workshops with Same Sky.

The procession was led by Father Christmas and some drumming elves, with guests including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Bhargawa Vasudaven and Gravesham mayor, Cllr Peter Scollard.

It started on Community Square before making its way down the High Street, through King Street and into St George's Shopping Centre before arriving back at Community Square.

Visitors then enjoyed performances from the cast of this year's panto, Aladdin.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, cabinet member for community and leisure at Gravesham council, said: "The Christmas lights switch-on is always a fantastic event which brings the whole community together with hundreds of smiling faces.

"The atmosphere was that of excitement and festive spirit and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves."