Thousands of people crowded into Chelmsford's High Street to watch the city switch on for Christmas.

The festive season has officially begun and glittering lights now hang in jolly designs throughout the streets.

The crowd were kept entertained by Martin and Sue from Heart radio and enjoyed energetic performances from local organisations and groups including the Big Sing, Funky Voices and Chelmsford's YMCA group.

Hollie Barrie from television talent show The Voice got the crowd jumping with excitement by performing a mixture of modern pop and Christmas songs.

Chelmsford's mayor Paul Hutchinson and Gary Pearson, editor of The Weekly News, were both invited on stage to greet the crowd before being joined by cast members from this year's Civic Theatre pantomime Aladdin and the city's ice panto The Wizard of Oz.

The crowd joined in with the grand countdown to the official switch on of Chelmsford's Christmas lights and a fireworks finale illuminated the High Street.

We would love to see your photos: tweet us using the hashtag #ChelmsfordLights or email charlotte.austen-hardy@nqe.com or neil.hawkins@nqe.com

Were you at the event? See if you can spot yourself in our photo gallery here