It was ho, ho go for the start of Weymouth's Christmas celebrations.

Hundreds of families wrapped up warm and gathered in the town centre yesterday to go ice skating, enjoy musical performances, visit Santa and see the big light switch-on.

Santa and his elves arrived in a parade followed by Jack Frost and the Snow Queen, who towered above residents, as they made their way through town before arriving at the New Bond Street Square.

Santa was joined by his reindeer and a number of happy faces, including the 1st Weymouth Brownies and Weymouth Carnival Queen Samantha McIntosh and her princess attendants.

Sarah Dackham, leader of the 1st Weymouth Brownies, said she was very impressed with her troop.

She added: “It went very well, they all seemed to be having fun. This is the first time we have been asked to be involved. The Brownies were very excited. They were happy to see the lights and the reindeer.”

Claire Litchfield, a parent of one of the Brownies, said: “I am a very proud parent. I think they were really excited. There is a lovely atmosphere with Santa and the reindeer. It has been a very nice experience for them.”

The parade was followed by the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Large numbers were projected above Debenhams as the cast of Weymouth Pavilion’s Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty and members of the public came together for a countdown, before the town centre was illuminated with festive colours.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Kevin Brookes gave a short speech thanking people for their support.

He told bystanders: “It is great to be here, thank you all for turning up on this chilly evening.

“These are probably the best lights we have had for some time.”

“Enjoy the night and Christmas and New Year.

Yesterday evening's celebrations were part of the BIG Christmas event organised by Weymouth BID.

Steve Newstead, Chairman of Weymouth BID, said he was happy with this year’s turnout.

He added: “It has been really positive, it is nice to see the local children involved and performing. My son performed earlier.

“We have put on the ice rink for the last three years to create a spectacle to encourage shoppers back into the town centre. It gives the shops an opportunity to benefit."

Mr Newstead also thanked Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for its continued support.

He said: “We couldn’t do it without them. The free parking after 3pm is good for the town .

He added: "This is the last year of the current BID. If people want this kind of thing to continue businesses need to get behind the Weymouth BID and push for re-ballot.”

The ice rink, which is outside Debenhams, is open every day (except Christmas Day) until January 1.

To help shoppers, there is free parking from 3pm in town centre council car parks until December 31, and to mark Small Business Saturday today, there will be free parking all day