CHRISTMAS crowds gathered in Bournemouth Square on Sunday afternoon to welcome Alvin and the Chipmunks to help the Mayor switch on the festive lights.

Many people had been out enjoying the winter sunshine and shopping throughout the day but more people piled into town later to see the bright Christmas lights switched on for the first time.

Stalls selling jewellery, Christmas decorations and other festive goodies were bustling as families and spectators waited until twilight for the big countdown.

Others chose to partake in a German beer at the bar or munch on some hot roast chestnuts or Bratwurst while various singing groups and other activities took place on the Heart FM stage.

Entertainment included performances from the Funky Little Choir and Offbeat who sang a variety of carols and pop songs.

And children also enjoyed some festive fun on the carousel.

The large crowd, which was estimated at 3,500 people, cheered as the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Rochester took to the stage, swiftly followed by Alvin and his furry friends Simon and Theodore.

And when the plunger was finally dropped to illuminate the Square, it revealed twinkling white lights in trees and poles around the precinct.