Kingston town centre was full of excitement on Thursday night when hundreds of people turned out to see the Christmas decorations.

Students from Kingston University and families of residents ventured out in the biting cold to celebrate the start of the festive period with the switching on of the town lights, market stalls and fairground rides.

Santa had a little problem getting the switch on to run smoothly however.

James Twinn, a third year Mechanical Engineering student said: “It was pretty funny when they didn’t come on the first time but I had a good view, I was on my mate's shoulders!” 

Darth Vader and Storm Troopers posed for family pictures in the Bentall Centre while Kingston’s mayor, Councillor Ian McDonald, and the staff of Market Place hair salon Headquarters raised money for homeless Kingston youngsters.

Did you go to the big switch on?  Post your pictures on our Facebook profile, RiverOnline Kingston.