Thousands turned out at a shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells for the Christmas lights switch on.

XFactor winner Ben Haenow joined Santa Claus in kicking off three days of festive fun on Thursday, November 17, touring the town in an open top bus before a live performance by the 31-year-old television star at Royal Victoria Place.

Also on stage were Britain’s Got Talent Finalists ‘Boogie Storm’ and members of Tunbridge Wells Rock Choir.

Marc Burchett, marketing manager of Royal Victoria Place, said: "Both Ben Haenow and Boogie Storm’s performances were amazing and they certainly made this year's switch on at Royal Victoria Place our biggest and best ever.”

“We wanted to put on an event that would be fun for all ages and I think from seeing the faces on the night, it certainly was that.”

Santa also made his big entrance at RVP on the night when he stepped off an open top bus after an hour long tour of Tunbridge Wells town centre.

He was joined by the cast of the Assembly Hall Theatre’s Christmas Panto ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ to include, Hi-De- Hi Star, Su Pollard and Citv Presenter, Jamie Rickers.

The grotto is located on level one opposite Marks & Spencer.