A record number of people flocked to Bexleyheath town centre to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.
Bexleyheath Business Partnership (BBP) hosted a Christmas extravaganza in the town centre on November 22 complete with festive stilt walkers, carol singers and a Santa band.
Youngsters were also given the opportunity to meet visiting reindeer.
Picture by Brian Barnett
The highlight of the event saw the Mayor of Bexley, Coun Howard Marriner, light a 35ft Christmas tree alongside mayoress Dianne Marriner and the couple's grandchildren, Isaac and Oliver.
Town centre manager Ian Payne said: "A record number of people visited the town centre during the day, over 42,000 - many paused at the Christmas stage in market square to enjoy the local talent of Bexley performing.
"There was a buzz among the people as the countdown began and with the help of Isacc and Oliver, the Christmas Tree burst into light to the delight and cheers of the large crowd assembled."
Bexley Police launch their festive appeal
The event also saw the launch of the 'Bobby Gift Card Appeal' which sees residents asked to purchase gift cards in shops across Bexley and put them in boxes provided to be delivered to disadvantaged children across the borough.
And in partnership with the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, the BBP sponsored a 20ft tree, situated outside Christ Church, to mark the ‘Light up a life’ campaign.
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