An X Factor girl group officially launched the festive season at Fremlin Walk.

Alien Uncovered helped to switch on the lights in the shopping centre, alongside stars of the Hazlitt’s panto, Peter Pan, tonight.

Eastenders actor Ricky Groves, who’s starring as Hook, was there, with kmfm’s Garry Wilson and Emma Adam, who provided the Christmas soundtrack.

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There was also a special guest on stage. Eight-year-old Harvey Tyler was taken up on stage to reward his work as a young carer.

His mum Amanda Burfoot, 35, developed a disability two years ago and the Tiger Primary School student is a source of help and comfort to her.

She said: "I emailed asking if he could go up there and he was over the moon when we were told yes!

"He deserves it for everything he does for me."

The countdown begun around 6pm and the lights are now officially on.

There were festive tunes ringing out across the shopping precinct from 4.30pm, including a live operatic rendition of Ave Maria.

Alien Uncovered performed Jessie J's Do It Like A Dude, Bootylicious by Destiny's Child as well as their own track Drop It Low.

The six-piece made it through to the live shows of the ITV talent show before being voted out in the first week.

Jackie Abbott has been making the trip from Chatham to see the Maidstone switch on for the past four years.

The 46-year-old carer said: "These are the best ones yet, I loved every minute of it."

Office worker Tara Trow from Maidstone had brought her family along, including her seven-year-old daughter. She said: "It's great that they do it, it certainly gets you feeling a bit more festive."

The evening also marked the start of the Fremlin Walk Christmas Market, with pulled pork sandwiches, chocolate churros and German hot dogs among the tasty treats on offer.