Old Town was given its chance to shine last night as hundreds filled the streets to see the lights switch on.

Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio, Sasi Strallen who plays Cinderella in this year’s Wyvern panto, and Swindon mayor Ray Ballman took to the stage to push the plunger and illuminate the faces of the people who gathered to watch.

The lights, which are even brighter this year with a third of the white lights replaced, blazed overhead and onlookers were treated to an explosion of golden ticker-tape as they were turned on.

The Tanwood Dance School, martial arts, fire jugglers and clowns entertained the crowds – and Town boss Di Canio was delighted with the turnout.

He said: “I am very happy to be here it is something different for me.

”In my country you don’t really get anything like this and it is really nice to see so many people here tonight.

“I am very pleased to see so many children with smiling faces and having fun.”

The switch on was followed by Father Christmas handing out sweets, chocolates and other goodies to the children in the crowd.

And Swindon Male Voice Choir belted out the carols, accompanied by the Wroughton Silver Band.

Lindsey Smith, of Eldene was in the crowd with her two daughters, Megan, five and Jasmine, two.

She said: “We decided to bring the children along because it is something nice for them to do.

“They have started to get excited already and I suppose this marks the start of Christmas for them.”

Stephen Weyman, 47, of West Swindon, was also enjoying all the different stalls that Wood Street had to offer with his son Ryan, 11.

He said: “It is fantastic to see Old Town so busy.

“I think Ryan is more excited about seeing Di Canio than Santa.”

The night was hailed a success by Mayor Ray Ballman with record numbers turning out.

She said: “It is excellent to see so many people here.

“Something like this brings everyone together and they are all enjoying themselves so I think it is very good for the town.”