CHRISTMAS has officially come to Basildon with the town’s lights being switched on.

A free ice skating ring took centre stage at the day of festivities.

There was also real reindeer, Jack Frost on stilts, a balloon-making elf, face painting and market stalls.

There was also live entertainment in East Square, with BBC Essex presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt taking to the stage, followed by talented local singers and choirs.

There was festive entertainment in Eastgate Shopping Centre with a Winter Wonderland theme including a Snow Lion, a pair of inflatable snowmen, Snow Queen and Ice Maiden on stilts and ice princesses.

Father Christmas made an appearance and an illuminated festive fairy enthralled the crowds with an aerial display.

The lights were switched on at 5pm with a helping hand from special guest Father Christmas, Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Harrison, and the cast of Aladdin, which is launching at the Towngate Theatre later this month.

Mayor David Harrison said: “It went really well.

“There was a big crowd for the light switch on which started growing from 3.30pm.

“Some of the performers were really good as well.”

The ice-skating rink will remain open until Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 December. Normal operating hours are 10am until 4pm.