FESTIVE spirit surged through the streets in Fordingbridge at the town’s Christmas light switch on event on Friday.

The town was packed as hundreds of people came to celebrate the start of the Christmas countdown and take part in the festivities.

Magical musical medleys of carol singing and Yuletide tunes captivated the crowds and children lined up to meet the man of the moment – Santa Claus.

Staff from Fordingbridge Day Nursery joined in the Christmas fun, making Christmas trees from wood blocks and pine sprigs.