BAFTA award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn was the star attraction at this year's Christmas lights switch-on in Broadstairs.

The Broadstairs resident, who also scored Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for her role in the 1996 film Secrets and Lies, turned the seaside town into a winter wonderland when she threw the light switch in Pierremont Park on Sunday (December 6).

The fun started hours earlier, with a snow machine, stalls and entertainment throughout the town.

No fewer than four brass bands played a medley of festive favourites, while the kmfm roadshow proved a popular feature.

Breakfast presenter Johnny Lewis, who joined Ms Blethyn and Cllr Mave Saunders, the Mayor of Broadstairs and St Peters, on stage for the traditional countdown, said: "I've never seen so many people around Broadstairs; the town was absolutely packed.

"We enjoyed wonderful entertainment from some really talented performers and I think everyone left feeling rather festive."

The packed programme of events also included a carol parade, which featured Dickensian characters and wound its way through the streets before arriving at the Christmas tree in Pierremont Park, and a performance from local singer and West End sensation Corinne Heady.

Santa Claus and one of his elves even travelled from the North Pole to make a special appearance.

See the Thanet Extra -- out today, Wed Dec 9 -- for more pictures.