THOUSANDS gathered in the heart of Worcester for the Christmas lights switch on which featured an enchanting lantern parade to cast a festive spell over the city.

The crowds were singing and dancing along in Cathedral Square in Worcester on Saturday ready for the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm.

Many brought their own lights or used torches on their phones as a carnival atmosphere descended on the city.

Worcester News: FAMILY: Ellie Sinclair, 27 (left), and Cheron Hicks, 32, give Cheron's children Nancy Dawson, three, and Ottilie Dawson, four, a better view of the Christmas lights switch onFAMILY: Ellie Sinclair, 27 (left), and Cheron Hicks, 32, give Cheron's children Nancy Dawson, three, and Ottilie Dawson, four, a better view of the Christmas lights switch on (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The party started at the Hive with a Nutcracker-themed parade of lanterns which meandered its way through the city towards the stage in Cathedral Square where the creations of artist Catt Standen were displayed to the crowds.

In the build-up, the crowds were kept entertained by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters Elliot Webb and Kate Justice while the festive atmosphere was given a Santastic boost by Poppy WS, Mike Skilbeck and the i-Sing Choir performing popular favourites and, of course, classic Christmas songs. 

Worcester News: MAGICAL: Artist Catt Standen with her Nutcracker-themed lanterns helped cast a festive spell over the city ahead of the Christmas lights switch on MAGICAL: Artist Catt Standen with her Nutcracker-themed lanterns helped cast a festive spell over the city ahead of the Christmas lights switch on (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mike Skilbeck performed songs including Your Song by Elton John, Let it Snow!, White Christmas while the i-Choir performed songs including Winter Wonderland, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, Light Up (Run) originally performed by Snow Patrol and also by Leona Lewis.

Artist Catt Standen told the crowds it had been 'surreal' seeing the lanterns she had created form part of the celebrations. 

"It feels amazing, a real moment. I hope everyone is happy with them," she told the crowds.

Worcester News: BUSY: Cathedral Square was packed in front of the main stage as the Christmas lights were switched onBUSY: Cathedral Square was packed in front of the main stage as the Christmas lights were switched on (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

For anyone who did not get to attend the parade or lights switch on, her creations - which took around two months to create - will also be on display in the Hive from Monday.

There was a cheer as the presenters asked the crowd what they thought of the lanterns.

The Mayor of Worcester, Louis Stephen, switched on the lights although some came on after the first practise countdown.

Cllr Stephen said: "It was a fantastic honour to switch the lights on, a bit of a dream come true.

"I was very impressed by the number of people who turned up. There must be thousands. 

"I really hope everyone enjoys their Christmas this year."

The switch-on itself saw around 760,000 LED lights start to twinkle around the city centre, installed in various different ways – including cross-street displays, column displays and zig-zagging in icicles down streets.

The lights are all on rubber cables, which, if laid out in a straight line, would measure more than seven kilometres, long enough to go 15 times around the perimeter of a typical cricket pitch.