Santa, the snow-queen and the Mayor of Redbridge brought festive cheer to Ilford town centre yesterday.

About 100 people counted down to the big switch-on which happened at 6.30pm.

Crowds were entertained with pantomime characters, visiting Santa in his grotto and chatting to the sky-high snow queen.

Cllr Mohammed Javed said: “the atmosphere was very good. There was a mixed crowed and people came from all sections of the community. It’s also good that we support local businesses some of which are struggling a bit.”

Boxes of glow sticks were given out to the waiting crowds standing outside Redbridge Town Hall, High Road.

Other light switch- ons around the borough include in Manford Way, Hainault at 5pm tomorrow and next Thursday outside Fullwell Cross Library, High Street Barkingside at 4.30pm.

The Wanstead light switch-on will be on November 30 at George Green, The Green.