WALTON was lit up for the festive season with a spectacular switch-on event.

The switch was flipped to bring festive lights to life along the town’s High Street at a special Christmas Festival on Friday.

A giant 34-foot Christmas tree was also unveiled in Millennium Square, and the town centre was kept buzzing throughout the evening by a host of events.

Festive stalls were set up along the street and a Santa’s Grotto was set up at Letterbox Nursery.

Smooth Grooves dance group put on a show, while a circus workshop was run for visitors and the Salvation Army Band and Walton Choir belted out Christmas numbers.

High Street shops decorated their windows to fit the festive theme as part of a window-display contest, with Crescent Cat Rescue triumphing.

One of the organisers Liz Harper, from Walton Forum said: “It was a fabulous occasion.

“Walton came out in force for the event and it helped us all get into the festive spirit. The shops all got involved and there was a brilliant atmosphere.

“It was great fun, and a really nice way for us to launch Christmas in Walton.”

The event finished with a bang thanks to a spectacular seafront fireworks display.