Thousands of people got into the festive mood when they turned out for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The Comet: The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited.The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited. (Image: Archant)

People travelled from all over the area to witness the annual event which had all of Stevenage sparkling.

Santa and his helpers were in attendance as well as members of this year’s Gordon Craig Theatre Christmas panto Aladdin and characters from Disney smash hit Frozen.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Gabz sang and Warriorz Performing Arts Academy showcased their moves before the countdown for the switch on by Stevenage mayor Sherma Batson, Stevenage Borough Council leader Sharon Taylor and six-year-old Erin Lang – pictured above left – who won a competition to press the plunger and light up the town centre.

Councillor Taylor said: “I think it was the best switch-on we’ve ever had.

The Comet: The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited.The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited. (Image: Archant)

“The weather wasn’t too bad and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“Gabz’s performance got everyone in the mood and we had the cast of the panto and Frozen on stage.

“It was a great way to get the whole town into the festive spirit and they all seemed to have a great time.”

Writing on Twitter Clare Wilkins said: “It’s now officially Christmas in Stevenage.”

The Comet: The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited.The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited. (Image: Archant)

Gabz tweeted: “Thank you so much Stevenage! Great performing at my home town’s Christmas lights.”

The Comet: The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited.The town centre's competition winner Erin Lang, 6, pressed the plunger to light up the town. Credit: Pearldrop Limited. (Image: Archant)