The countdown to Christmas has now officially started.

Crowds gathered to watch kmfm Breakfast's Garry and Chelsea switching on Maidstone's festive lights in Jubilee Square yesterday.

The switch on took place from 5pm to 7pm last night with One Maidstone.

There were prize giveaways, competitions and live music from Gospel Touch Choir.

The kmfm Street Team were on hand giving out head boppers and taking lots of photos.

Visitors watched performances from the cast of this year's Hazlitt Theatre panto, "Sleeping Beauty".

To top it all off, parents and children also had the chance to meet Father Christmas.

Last year's event had crowds stretching back as far as Lush in the square.

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and One Maidstone are also bringing Christmas entertainment to the town centre next Thursday with "The Magic of Christmas".

It will kick off from Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex at 3.45pm with Cllr Derek Mortimer, the Mayor of Maidstone, launching "giant post box".

It gives children the chance to have a photo taken with Father Christmas and send a letter to Lapland.

There will be pop-up performances around the town – including The Mall, Fremlin Walk and Royal Star Arcade.

The mayor said: "I am really looking forward to seeing the excitement on the faces of everyone who comes along.

“This year more than ever, we are all watching the pennies and free events like these are a great opportunity for the residents of Maidstone to join together and enjoy the start of the festivities in the town.

"I hope to see as many people as possible come along and enjoy the magic of Christmas."

The event will finish at 6.30pm, with a walking carnival – which will start from Maidstone Museum, through Fremlin Walk, on to Week Street, in to The Mall and down Jubilee Square, with a final performance outside the Town Hall.