Pictures: Shrewsbury packed for Christmas lights switch-on

A giant reindeer, garlands of lights and brightly lit Christmas trees greeted visitors to the town last night.

Visitors young and old were able to get into the festive spirit early thanks to live music, dancing and other street entertainment.

Santa and his sleigh were on Pride Hill courtesy of the Rotary Club of Shawbury and Mid-Shropshire.

The event also featured a lantern parade as scores of youngsters walked from Darwin Shopping Centre down to The Square for the big countdown to the switch-on.

For the first time ever the countdown was relayed around the town.

Large speakers were set up outside the market hall and the Darwin Shopping Centre allowing people to listen and then disperse with ease.

Members of the cast from this year's Theatre Severn pantomime Dick Whittington were joined by the town's mayor Councillor Miles Kenny and the town crier Martin Wood for the big event.

Councillor Kenny said: "Christmas has started with a bang. We are heading for a great Christmas.

"It is going to be great for shopkeepers and great for children.

"I am really pleased with how tonight is going."

The annual Tree of Light ceremony took place in the Darwin Shopping Centre, with dozens of people watching as the tree was lit up.

Each year members of the public are encouraged to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of loved ones.

The appeal is organised by Rotarians and has raised thousands of pounds over the years.

The evening also saw the return of the Darwin Centre's giant reindeer which had its very own switch-on to coincide with The Square countdown at 6.30pm.

The town's indoor market also launched the first of its late-night Christmas shopping evenings. There were free minced pies and mulled wine for market-goers, while shoppers were able to browse for gift ideas and enjoy a bite to eat in the market's restaurants and cafes.