There were laughs, smiles and music as Chatham marked the start of the festive season.

Residents brushed away the chill as they celebrated the switching on of the town's Christmas lights.

The kmfm team presented live music, dancers and plenty more alongside the Mayor Cllr Jan Aldous at Military Square.

Family entertainment kicked off at 3.45pm, with families flocking to the town centre.

Men, women and children (and at least one dog) stopped to pose with kmfm board throughout the day.

There were also freebies from Specsavers, who sponsored the event as part of its support for the big switch on of Medway's lights.

These included balloons, hi-vis jackets and novelty hairbands.

There was also face painting, and a variety of entertainment at the main stage as the evening went on.

This included the cast of Snow White, Chatham’s Christmas panto.

The festivities don't end there, with the big switch-on continuing over the coming days.

Next weekend, Gillingham and Rochester's lights will go on, with Rainham the following Friday.