Swindon'sChristmas countdown has officially started.
Last night hundreds of people gathered in the town centre to watch Swindon's glittering Christmas lights flick on. Even a shower of rain couldn't dampen the festive spirit of on-lookers who let out a huge cheer as the lights went on and the Salvation Army band started to play.
Home and Way star Aleetza Wood did the honours, illuminating Regent Street crossroad in a blaze of light.
Simultaneously five giant skyguys, sponsored by the Evening Advertiser, shot into the sky above the Brunel Centre. The inflatable festive characters are powered by huge jets, also paid for by the paper.
Prior to the switch on cast members from the Wyvern Theatre's Christmas pantomime Aladdin entertained the young and old with dance and song.
There was just enough time to check out the live reindeer stabled in front of the House of Fraser before the Evening Advertiser's traditional Christmas Carol concert got under way outside Debenhams in The Parade.
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