THE festive season got underway with a star-studded Christmas lights switch-on last night.

Hundreds of people packed out Darlington Market Place to watch panto stars flick the switch and get the town centre sparkling.

Strictly Come Dancing head judge and Mother Nature in Jack and the Beanstalk, Shirley Ballas was joined by “villain” Daniel Taylor as well as TFM Roadshow.

Music and the sounds of funfair rides filled the air whilst traders took to the streets to sell festive balloons and toys.

Jessica Tomlinson, who was there with her two young children, five-year-old Toni and Bethany, seven, for the switch-on, said: “It’s great to see so many people in the town centre enjoying themselves – it’s got to be good for the town.”

The Northern Echo:

Martin Johnson, who was with his wife Rebecca and three-year-old son Toby, said: “We had a lovely time and the fireworks were a good way to end the night – Toby loved them.”

Up next is the Christmas Markets, which will see a range of festive stalls as more than 60 traders fill the market square from Thursday, December 5, alongside the Pease Pudding market from 4pm to 9pm. The market will continue on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 7pm.

A Christmas events guide is available from town centre venues including the Dolphin Centre, library, Indoor Market and online at www.enjoydarlington.com.