The festive season has officially started in a town this weekend with two light events.

A record number of people gathered for the annual Dartford Festival of Lights in the High Street on Friday (November 17).

The community event, hosted by Cohesion Plus, saw performances from the Samba band Bloco Fogo, Kings of Dhol, DDFK and New Orleans-style band, Native Oysters.

Multiple schools from the area also led the crowd to Central Park in a lantern parade and the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks show.

The following day, Dartford was lit up as eight-year-old Oliver Carty switched the Christmas lights on after winning a colouring competition.

He joined the mayor Rosanna Currans, Father Christmas, and the stars of Orchard West’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast in Brewery Square on Saturday.

Throughout the afternoon there was roaming entertainment in the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre and Priory Shopping Centre from Cohesion Plus.

There was also an interactive snow globe, choir performances, tribute acts, and a festive sing-along show starring Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter, David Ribi.

Leader of the council Jeremy Kite said: “What a brilliant way to start Christmas. A big thank you to everyone who came and got involved with the Big Christmas Switch On, as well as to the organisers who brought it together.

“And do not forget the festivities are not ending here, we have our favourite Santa’s House, carol concert and Santa on Tour still to come. So save the dates and we hope to see you there.”