WALTON was lit up with festive cheer at the town’s Christmas festival.

Friday marked the switch-on of the town’s high street Christmas lights, as well as Walton’s late-night shopping event.

Walton councillor Alec Moss said: “It was a very cold and wet day but we still got a good turnout of people down there.

“It was very colourful and I think everybody had a good time despite the weather. It was great to get the town lit up and boost the festive spirit."

The festive lights have been set up all along the edges of Walton’s High Street.

One new addition to this year’s event was a temporary ice rink set up in Millennium Square, funded by Frinton and Walton Town Council.

Shoppers were able to get their skates on and take to the synthetic surface over the weekend.

Mr Moss added: “The ice rink was a real added draw this year.

“The kids absolutely loved it and were flying around on there all weekend long.”