Thousands of people gathered on Victoria Road on Sunday evening as pop royalty turned up to turn on Old Town's Christmas lights.

An evening of entertainment which featured song and dance culminated in Blue star Duncan James appearing on the big stage alongside Santa Claus to push the lever down and illuminate the town.

The festive act of radiance was all part of the Old Town Christmas Festival, which took place from 12pm onwards on Sunday, November 27.

As the sky darkened, several dance acts took to the stage including performers from Swindon’s very own Wilkes Academy who enacted a Wizard of Oz themed performance.

Swindon Advertiser: Dancers from Wilkes Academy gave a Wizard of Oz performanceDancers from Wilkes Academy gave a Wizard of Oz performance (Image: Newsquest)

Singer Lily Barrett also starred as she sang her own version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, whilst Ruby Hood performed Dance to the Music.

This all built up to the show’s headline act, singer Duncan James of the band Blue.

Duncan came on and performed Blue hits ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’ and ‘One Love’, followed by his own rendition of Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’.

Shortly after, the pop singer took to the stage again alongside Santa Claus to push down the lever and turn on the lights.

Swindon Advertiser: Lily Barrett (left) and Ruby Hood (right) also took to the stage.Lily Barrett (left) and Ruby Hood (right) also took to the stage. (Image: Newsquest)

The Adver spoke to Richard Deacon, the Chairman of the Old Town Business Association, after the event.

“It has been a fantastic event today and is the biggest one we have ever put on,” he said.

These events have been held annually since 1987 but the last two years were chalked off due to the Covid pandemic.

“This is first event we have held since 2019 and it is also the first time, we have been able to use Victoria Road as the main stage, allowing for a bigger capacity,” revealed Mr Deacon.

“The public have been amazing; the acts have been great, and hopefully we can make next year even better.”

Swindon Advertiser: Blue's Duncan James was the headline act of the show.Blue's Duncan James was the headline act of the show. (Image: Newsquest)

Those watching in the crowds also seemed to have a great time, with many commenting on the entertaining afternoon.

“Great event today, thanks to everyone involved, you did Old Town proud,” said one resident

“Amazing event, looking forward to the next one,” added another.