Comedian Bobby Davro, Union J singer George Shelley and actor Regan Gascoigne – who won Dancing On Ice – wowed the crowds as the official countdown to Christmas began.

The festive calendar in Dartford is under way following the Big Christmas Switch On on Saturday which saw hundreds gather in Brewery Square.

Kayne Joseph, 11, the winner of the council's colouring competition, helped switch on the lights with the Mayor of Dartford Cllr Paul Cutler, Father Christmas and stars of The Orchard Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella.

A full day of activity kicked off with roaming entertainment in the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre and Priory Shopping Centre from 10am.

Show Globe, a life-size interactive snow globe, enthralled the crowds.

Activity then shifted to Brewery Square from 2.30pm, with performances from The Orchard Theatre’s choir and ukulele groups on stage.

Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter David Ribi compered throughout the day between performances from Netflix’s Heartstopper actor Robbie White, the Kings of Dhol, tributes to Madness and Taylor Swift and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball.

Comedian Bobby Davro, Union J singer George Shelley – who was runner-up in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2015 – and dancer, singer and actor Regan Gascoigne – who won Dancing On Ice and is son of top footballer Paul – are all performing in The Orchard Theatre’s pantomime of Cinderella this year and appeared on stage to help light up Dartford for Christmas.

There were also giveaways from The Orchard Theatre, Dartford FC and Dartford council.

For more information on Dartford's Christmas events, click here.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said: "It was another brilliant Big Christmas Switch On for Dartford and I’d like to thank everyone who came along to enjoy the day, as well as all of the organisations who made it such a success.

"This event kick starts our Christmas calendar and we’re very excited to be bringing popular festive favourites back like Santa’s House, our carol concert and Santa on Tour.

"Following the success of our summer and Halloween events, we’re introducing Santa’s Cinema, a free two-day event with some great films screening including Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Snowman.

"Don’t forget Cohesion Plus’ Festival of Light parade takes place on Friday, November 25."