MORE than 10,000 people came to Brentwood on Saturday November 26 to celebrate the countdown to Christmas.

Brentwood Borough Council hosted its annual festive event in and around Brentwood High Street where visitors enjoyed food, festive drinks and entertainment ahead of the start of their Christmas shopping.

Entertainment on the main stage by Wilson's Corner was hosted by Phoenix FM, with a brilliant programme scheduled by Churches Together in Brentwood.

It included some fantastic acts, including gospel and school choirs. The evening's entertainment ended with a candle-lit nativity from St Thomas' Junior School choir and the Mayor of Brentwood, Noelle Hones, switched on the Christmas lights on the main stage.

Mayor of Brentwood, Noelle Hones, said: "Lighting up Brentwood was an amazing event again this year.

“It was lovely to see so many families and young children enjoying the day “The street entertainers and the acts on the main stage all contributed to a most memorable day. It was also a great day to celebrate all that is wonderful about our community – the voluntary and church organisations, charity fund-raisers and people who all helped make the day a resounding success. “We would not have been able to put on this event without their help.

“Thank you also to the winners of the Mayor’s Christmas card competition, Petra Ndukwe and Sean Susumhi who I was delighted to welcome on to the main stage and have them help me switch on the Christmas lights.

“Thanks must also go to the Baytree Centre, and F9 Consulting Ltd for their invaluable sponsorship which allows us to bring local families some great entertainment this year."