Hundreds watched as Maidstone's lights were switched on this evening at an event hosted by kmfm, with music from Yes Lad.

The X Factor boy band performed their new single "Funk it Up" exclusively for the crowds, with the song introduced by new member Jake.

He told fans: "We've been working really hard over the last few weeks on this, and we hope you like it."

kmfm Breakfast's Garry and Emma hosted the entertainment on stage at Fremlin Walk from 4pm.

Also performing live was Irish singer Niall Sexton.

Father Christmas, reindeer, stars of the Hazlitt panto, and Razzamataz stage school completed the line-up.

The celebrations marked the start of Christmas in Maidstone, which will also see Santa arriving at The Mall on Saturday, and will be in his grotto every day until Christmas Eve, ready to meet good boys and girls.

Money raised from the grotto, which will be outside Vision Express and Bon Marche, will go to help local charities and organisations.

Over the years, the Christmas grotto has raised more than £200,000.

The Mall grotto will be open from 11am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am to 4pm on Sundays.

From Monday, December 19 until Friday, December 23, the grotto will be open from 9am until 5pm, and on Christmas Eve it will be open from 9am until 3pm.