Hundreds of cold but excited onlookers congregated in and around Southampton precinct last week as they were illuminated by the glow of the city's Christmas lights.

This tradition has played out for many decades - as these interactive pictures from November 1959 show.

The above picture shows the view from outside the Bargate.

The number 9 bus can be seen trundling down Above Bar - the part now pedestrianised.

Among the shops seen in the 1959 picture are Keith Royale, Murdoch, Hepworth's, Singer, Willerby's and Marks & Spencer.

The image above was taken looking through the Bargate.

The Daily Echo clock can be seen twinkling along with the Christmas lights.

This snap was taken from the other side of the precinct, looking up towards Bargate.

Because of the merry-go-round and densely packed German market stalls, the 2019 picture was taken slightly further back.