SWINDON’S town centre streets are sparkling after hundreds of people descended to Wharf Green on Saturday to see the Christmas lights switch-on.

Crowds braved downpours for the popular occasion near House of Fraser as X Factor’s Saara Aalto had the honours of pushing the big red button to mark the countdown to Christmas.

Talking to the crowds, the 30-year-old said it was her first time visiting Swindon and was in fact her first time being asked to switch on Christmas lights for any town.

Best known as last year’s X Factor runner up, Saara is also the voice of Anna in the Finnish version of hit film Frozen and she was able to perform a number of hits on the night.

“Since I was a child, I have always wanted to be a Disney princess. That was my number one dream. I wanted to give my voice to a Disney princess and then three years ago, I got a phone call and I was asked to give my voice to Princess Anna in the Finnish version of the Frozen movie.

“That was like ‘ah’ my dream. I had waited for this for 25 years and now I’m a real Disney princess and so that is why Frozen has a very special place in my heart and that is why I wanted to sing Let It Go for you guys.

“The crowds’ singing was so beautiful.”

Among those who braved the downpour was Shelley Cooper, 26 from Walcot who stood front row to catch a glimpse of headliner Saara.

“I wanted to come down and see Saara because I voted for her on the X Factor.

“She is really good at singing and I come here every year for the switch on. I managed to get to the front and luckily I haven’t had to stand in the rain for too long.”

Other performances that wowed crowds included Old Town’s Lewis Blissett who reached the semi-final of The Voice Kids this year as well as dance performances from Maisie Long, winner of Best of Swindon 2017 and Swindon Dance’s PhenoMENal group.

Before the main switch-on, families from across the town took full advantage of the jam-packed day of activities on offer for youngsters.

Children were able to take a photo with one of four fairytale princesses in Regent Street which a giant snow globe was set up in Regent Circus.

The Wyvern also played host to a number of festive activities including a wand and sword-making workshop and fairytale face painting.

As well as the successful Christmas lights, InSwindon has a whole host of other events planned in the run up to the big day including the start of late night shopping starting on Thursday (Nov 23), free Christmas gift wrapping in The Brunel, the Christmas Artisan Market in Wharf Green on December 9 and a chance to meet the Grinch in The Parade on December 16.

For more information about this year’s Christmas festivities, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk