THE countdown to Christmas started in Salisbury last night at the annual lights switch on.

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton switched on the lights on stage with the Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Lindley, and Father Christmas.

And it was the first year fireworks were used at the event since 2014, when rockets shot into the crowd.

About ten thousand people joined the festivities in the market square, enjoying street entertainers and seasonal food and drink stalls.