THOUSANDS of people gathered in Hull city centre this evening for the official switch-on of the city's Christmas lights.
Crowds packed outside Hull City Hall to watch the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Mary Glew and characters from Disney's Frozen, switch on the lights, marking the start of the festive season.
Cllr Glew said: "What a fabulous evening.
"I am so excited to be here and so are all my grandchildren who I have brought with me.
"This is the start of Christmas for the city.
"Everyone in Hull is getting into the Christmas spirit and I would like to thank all the organisers, entertainers here tonight.
"The Christmas lights switch on tops off a fantastic year and our first since the City of Culture announcement."
Spectators at this year's event were treated to music and entertainment by opera singer Leroy Vickers, rapper Nineties Boy, and the Hull Daily Mail's Star Search winner Grace Christiansen.
Watching in the crowd, estimated by the council to be 20,000 strong, were the Weston family from Gypysville.
Mum and dad, Sarah and Oliver, brought their two children, six-year-old Ellen and four-year-old Sam, to enjoy the festivities.
Ellen said: "I really liked seeing all the pretty lights and also I got to see Elsa from Frozen."
