31 of the best photos that capture the magic of Peterborough's Christmas lights switch on

Crowds packed out Cathedral Square and Bridge Street to see the big switch on, which was carried out by Only Fools and Eastenders star Steven Woodcock- who is appearing in Beauty and the Beast at The Cresset this Christmas.

Prior to the big switch on, those who braved the cold were treated to an array of performances by the likes of Peterborough Rock Choir, Lucy's Pop Choir, The Peterborough Cathedral Choir, Thomas Dunleavy, Chanel Hughes, Peterborough Performing Arts, The Cast of the Cresset Pantomime - Beauty and The Beast, Teddi The Drag Queen as Mrs Claus with her elves Coco and Chanel, Eddie Nash with the Get Down, Peeby and Peter Burrow as well as Father Christmas.

The event was sponsored by City Group Security, Inspire Education Group, PCRFM, Persimmon Homes, Princebuild.