SPARKLING lights and seasonal entertainment transformed the borough into a festive fiesta at this year's official Christmas switch-on events.

The first snowfall from a giant tree turned Basingstoke town centre into a winter wonderland on Friday evening, as the countdown to Christmas officially began in Festival Place.

Tom Jones and Elvis look-alikes led the crowds through some greatest hits and festive classics, while pupils from the Basingstoke Academy of Dancing took to the stage, dressed as fairies and elves.

Circus performers and Father Christmas mingled with the gathered crowds.

The switch-on saw the unveiling of the centre's new Christmas decorations, which include suspended snowflakes and Christmas boxes, as well as the snow-making tree.

Jane Stewart, marketing manager for Festival Place, said: "We have had a great reaction to the new decorations. Lots of people commented on them even before the switch-on.

"I'm particularly looking forward to the next 12 days, as we have a wonderful range of activities going on which I hope customers will enjoy while they are shopping."

Two mischievous Christmas pixies headed up the entertainment in The Malls Shopping Centre.

Sonny and Rainbow, accompanied by Ely the bear, led the crowd through some upbeat seasonal songs before Father Christmas made a dramatic entrance, appearing in a puff of smoke above the centre.

In Tadley, Meridian TV presenter David Reilly returned to his home town to carry out the big switch-on outside Sainsbury's, in Mulfords Hill.

Traditional musical entertainment was provided by The Tadley Band and Hurst Singers, while stalls, a Christmas market and snow machine added to the festive flavour of the event, which drew a crowd of more than 1,000 people.

Friday's event was organised by Tadley town and Basingstoke borough councillor David Leeks, who helped put the finishing touches to preparations on Thursday when, dressed as Santa, he was given a lift by County Hire to place a star on top of the Christmas tree.

Councillor Leeks said: "The switch-on gets bigger and better every year and we try to do something different every time.

"It is a great event, which raises a lot of money for charities that help the local community."

Mr Reilly, who turned on the lights with colleague Sangeeta Bhabra, said: "I only moved out of Tadley a year ago and it's nice to come back."