HUNDREDS of people flocked to Bournemouth Square, the Lower Gardens and Pier Approach for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on last night.

X Factor star Max Stone and Cinderella’s ugly sisters started the countdown at Bournemouth seafront around 7pm when all the lights in Bournemouth were switched on by Mayor Eddie Coope.

This was followed by a dazzling display of fireworks and light show in the Lower Gardens.

The SBLAS Performing Arts School also performed at the Pier Approach before the lights were turned on.

The event marked the official launch of the Christmas offering in Bournemouth - which includes the ice-rink, Apres skate bar, the Alpine Market and the always popular Moose Bar.

Both the ice-rink and skate bar are a lot bigger this year and stretch over both sides of the Lower Gardens path.

The rink is on one side of the main path with the Alpine-style chalets and bar on the other.

Mum-of-three Judy Willis said she thought the lights in the Lower Gardens were “lovely” but thought more could be done with The Square.

“They have really stepped things up in the Lower Gardens and the rink and skate bar look lovely as do the lights but the offering in the Square is exactly the same as it is every year,” she added.

However students Sarah Young and Liam Hayes said they thought the town centre looked great.

“It’s so Christmassy and the lights all through the gardens look amazing,” added Sarah.

“I’m also really pleased that they have made the skate bar a lot bigger this year. It was always really busy last year and there weren’t that many places to sit.

“I think a lot more people will use it this year.”

The illuminated stroll to and from Pier Approach sees the resort’s Grade II listed Victorian gardens twinkle and glow with fairy light wraps on selected trees, coloured uplighters among the flora and fauna and snowflake projections along the walkways. 

The Christmas offer continues in the gardens and town centre until January 3.

The festivities are also kicking off in Boscombe this weekend.

There will be a carnival today as well as the launch of the popular Countdown to Christmas, which runs until Christmas Eve.

In Poole, a Christmas market will run from 11am until 4pm at Parkstone United Reformed Church.

Entry costs £1 per person, with under 5s going free.

There will be up to 40 stands offering an array of seasonal goods all under one roof making it an ideal opportunity to buy stocking fillers, freshly grown and handcrafted gifts. There will be festive live entertainment throughout the day.

The Victoria Education Centre in Lindsay Road will be hosting a Christmas fayre from 10.30am to 2pm. It will feature a host of entertainment including Santa’s Grotto, face painting, games, toys, cakes, raffle, books, and refreshments.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the school which specialises in high quality care and education for children and young people with complex and exceptional learning and care needs. Entry is 50p per adult and children visit free.