Winchester got into the festive spirit on Saturday with its festival of light.
The event was launched with the Win FM roadshow and was followed by entertainment in The Brooks, a children's Christingle and carol service and procession of light.
Mayor, John Steel, joined in with the face painting and Santa and his Senior Elf gave rides to children on the sleigh before picking up the mayor and his wife to turn on the lights at 4.30pm.
A huge crowd braved the bad weather to see the switching on of the lights and join in with the festivities.
Graham Love, Winchester city centre manager, said: "I am delighted that the people of Winchester turned out in droves, despite the bad weather.
"The reason we had such an increase in the numbers who attended this year, was because many of the traders got behind the festival and it was really good to see every one in the city centre working together to make things happen."
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