Gosport was lit up with festive cheer last night as the town's Christmas lights were switched on.
The fanfare began at 4pm when the Quay Radio roadshow arrived in High Street to get the party started while shoppers hunted for Christmas gifts at the French Market.
To accompany them was the sound of the Gosport Silver Band and a choir of young carol singers.
The highlight of the evening came when Syd Little, nicknamed supersonic by his comedy partner Eddie Large, flicked the switch, marking that Christmas had officially arrived.
Scores of children watched as the street lit up with a burst of colour and the shops stayed open late into the evening.
Syd Little is in Gosport for this year's pantomime production of Aladdin at the Kings Theatre.
Many High Street shops will be opening on Sundays in the run-up to Christmas and late night markets will be held on December 16 and 23.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article