It might still be one month until Christmas, but Trowbridge pulled out all the stops to make the annual Christmas lantern festival and lights switch on a successful and colourful spectacle.

Crowds of thousands flocked to the centre of Trowbridge to enjoy the event which featured a Christmas fair, entertainment, fairground rides, food stalls, and a colourful lantern procession culminating with a firework display.

The Bratton Silver Band brought carols and festive music to crowds, followed by 80 strong singers from the Rock Choir bringing a selection of songs in perfect harmony on the main stage.

At 6.30pm, the town’s parade assembled outside the Town Hall getting ready to march through the streets of Trowbridge and light up the town.

A Samba band led the lanterns, which included artwork from lantern artist Jenny Quigley, around the top end of Castle Street and then on to Fore Street.

"I'm delighted by the support of the town’s folk who wanted to be part of this colourful parade," said Jenny.

Amy Cottle, who worked hard to raise funds for the William Syndrome charity, was invited to switch on the town lights in Fore Street by Trowbridge Mayor Coun Stephen Cooper. 

Following a countdown, the town came to light at 6.50pm as church bells rang out to mark the switch-on event, with St James church illuminated purple.

Thousands then made their way down to Park Road for an impressive firework display which lit up the night sky.