The countdown to the festive season has begun in Preston.

More than 12,000 people turned out on the Flag Market, crowding down Market Place, Friargate and Fishergate to catch a glimpse of the lights being turned on.

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They were treated to performances from Gabriella Cilmi, Mike Dignam and Dan Gillespie Sells from The Feeling among others during nearly three hours of build up.

Paul Swarbrick and Gill Lawson were on hand to capture photographs of the full event and artists front and backstage.

Slideshow from Paul Swarbrick

Slideshow from Gill Lawson

You can see tweets and photos throughout the switch on by replaying our live coverage below.

Did you go to the switch on? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below