THOUSANDS of people from across the borough gathered to see the festive season start with a bang last night (November 18).

Crowds massed outside Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford to see the annual Christmas lights switched on, before enjoying a spectacular fireworks display and live music.

Local radio station Time FM broadcast the event and Redbridge Mayor Cllr Chan was on hand to do the honours with this year's lighting display.

Elsewhere, onlookers sampled food courtesy of farmers across East Essex, offering a variety of fare from seasonal English food to paella.

Characters from the Snow White pantomime show, currently at nearby Kenneth More Theatre, were also present to entertain the crowds.