Fire eaters turn up with Santa Claus for Kingston Christmas light switch on

Families and friends turned up for the festive event which also included an acrobatic dance group, singers singing seasonal songs and even a reindeer.

The cast of the Rose Theatre's Christmas production Snow Gorilla also made an appearance at the event in Old London Road.

Twitter user Tara tweeted: "Just seen Santa & the Kingston lights switch on. I am now feeling in the Christmas mood-bring on the mulled wine!"

What was your highlight of the lights switch on? letters@surreycomet.co.uk

The moment of truth: Santa Claus turned the lights on from the Radio Jackie stage

Bite to eat before work: Megan Sharkey with one of Santa's reindeer in Old London Road

Lit up: Ruby Cowdon, 5, and sister Molly Cowdon, 7, wrapped up warm with pink rabbit ears and a colourful Santa hat

Spot the gorilla: The cast of the Rose Theatre's Christmas production The Snow Gorilla met potential audiences but the Snow Gorilla himself, a closely guarded secret, was nowhere to be seen

Master of ceremonies: Ringleader Grace Herbert.

Rocking around the Christmas tree: Marcus Greenwood from Ring of Bright Water.

Let's dance: The Black Eagles, a group from Tanzania, in action

Close call: One of the Tanzanian Black Eagles cutting it fine, limbo dancing under a fiery pole

Hey presto: All smiles and no burns

Ring-leader 'Stallion'

Fire starter: Phoenix the fire eater, otherwise known as Kat Stainton, before

Flame on: Phoenix the fire eater, otherwise known as Kat Stainton, after

Time for giving: Megan Ball, 6, and brother Jack Ball, 5, with Santa Claus, in front of a sign giving directions to the North Pole

Dotty: Kingston's iconic phone boxes in Old London Road got a makeover courtesy of Cath Kidston

Kingston's lights in Clarence Street