The county town has officially sparked the countdown to Christmas with a massive Christmas lights switch-on event.

kmfm breakfast show presenters Garry Wilson and Laura Nevitt hosted the star-studded show at Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk shopping centre in Maidstone.

Hundreds gathered for the illumination at 6pm when the street was flooded with light, marking the start of the run up to Christmas.

Big acts including X Factor’s Lemonade and the cast of Maidstone Studios’ Peter Pan pantomime took to the stage for glittering performances.

Also ringing in the festive season were local starlets from Mandy Ellen Dance School and musician, Kellie Marie of CBBC’s ‘Got what it takes?’

The honour of switching on the lights went to nine-year-old Isabelle Sale, from Barming Primary School.

She said: “It was really good, it was really fun. I’ve had a really good time this evening.”

A highly sought after £250 prize for a text-to-win competition was proudly claimed by Pamela Williamson, 67, from Maidstone.

She said: “I was really excited, I just never win anything so it’s so special.

“It’s been really nice to see all the artists and pantomime stars.”

Shops on the walk were open later than usual, until 8pm, while Christmas market stalls offered seasonal treats like churros, pulled-pork, and German bratwurst to the revellers.

The centre will be open late on selected dates throughout December, resuming normal opening hours from Tuesday, January 2.