GLITTERING red, green and gold stars illuminated the town centre yesterday at the Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony 2015.

The eagerly anticipated event in Wharf Green drew thousands of onlookers set on getting into the merry mind-set and a head-start on Christmas shopping.

Boyband heartthrobs Union J flicked the magical switch to light up the night sky, and mark the start of the festive season.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as dazzling fairy lights in a rainbow of magical colours twinkled their way around the town centre.

Heart presenters Ben and Mel provided some light-hearted entertainment when they opened the Wharf Green stage accompanied by the Gospel Choir and Swindon Dance before guests of honour Union J’s arrival.

Despite rainy conditions which forced town centre managers inSwindon to cancel the firework finale, the crowd’s enthusiasm wasn’t dampened when the chart-topping trio took to the stage for an exclusive performance.

The X Factor sensations drew screams from fans as they opened their festive set with their hits Carry You, You Got It All and Loving You Is Easy.

Sam Harper from Penhill was there with her children Layla-Kady, seven, three year-old Lydia and mum Sharon Drewitt.

She said “We’re definitely getting in the festive spirit and we’re here for the kids because they love Union J and absolutely can’t wait for them. It’s so nice that everyone comes down here and really gets into the Christmas spirit.”

Union J superfan Vicki Davis from Park South brought her three daughters Taya, nine, Kaycie, five and Sienna, two to the Wharf Green ceremony. She said she was delighted with Union J’s performance... even though they were missing George who is in the Australian jungle as a contestant in I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.

“I’m probably a bigger fan of Union J than the kids to be honest,” she said.

“They were absolutely brilliant and to see the crowd singing and dancing along just puts a smile on your face.”

Julie Hill from the town centre said she was looking forward to starting her Christmas shopping.

“Swindon is such a great place and to have this event which is fantastic is always very exciting," she said.

"It really makes you feel excited and I can’t wait to start getting presents for everyone. The lights look beautiful too, it’s amazing.”

And Josh from Union J said the band were delighted to be back in town.

“It’s a great crowd here tonight,” he said.

“The last time we came here was just after the X Factor and we absolutely loved it. The crowds are always amazing and we’re looking forward to coming back when we go on tour next year.”

Union J stepped into the spotlight in 2012 when they finished fourth on ITV’s X Factor and have since shot to superstardom with tours in Britain and Ireland, the launch of their own range of dolls and an appearance in Hollywood film Kick-Ass 2.

They followed in the festive footsteps of X-Factor runner-up and town treasure Jahmene Douglas and Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey.

Yesterday’s spectacular finale followed a day of full-on festivities with families flocking to have a free photograph taken inside a giant globe filled with powdery white snowflakes in The Parade. Stilt walkers handed out glow sticks to shoppers with local bands providing live music and jingle bells in and around the town centre.

Children fashioned their own Santa hats at the Parade with Regent Circus crowds serenaded by Swindon Young Musicians and Swindon Gospel Choir.

The sparkling switch-on rounded off the Christmas extravaganza as shoppers dispersed to enjoy mince pies and eggnog to celebrate the start of the countdown to Christmas.

Families and friends donned antlers and waved glowsticks in the air in dark headbands to sing and dance along with the evening’s entertainment.