What a difference a year makes.

This time last year crowds gathered in both Weymouth and Dorchester to watch the towns' festive lights being turned on.

Hundreds gathered to see special festive spectacles in both towns.

Dorchester's Brewery Square was packed out as crowds gathered to enjoy live music, entertainment and dance performances. Revellers got their skates on for the return of Dorchester's 'Skating In The Square' 'ice' rink.

Dorset Echo:

Dorset Echo:

This year - with the pandemic, what a difference - Christmas lights switch ons were carried out in empty streets, filmed and then streamed online so people could watch them.

Brewery Square hosted a virtual lights switch on event with children's TV favourite Mr Bloom from CBeebies switching on the lights.

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By contrast to 2019 the square in 2020 is deserted, with no ice rink this year and just a marquee hosting Mr Bloom and a big red switch on button.

Dorset Echo:

Dorset Echo:

There's no-one around to appreciate the lights switch on in Dorchester in 2020

Last year in Weymouth crowds gathered to listen to music from different singers and enjoy other live entertainment on offer on a stage outside Debenhams, which is due to close next year for good after the chain's liquidation was announced this week.

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Panto stars at the Weymouth switch on last year

There was even a section for children to have their faces painted and in Hope Square there was more live music and market stalls. The Cinder Trail was also set up through Weymouth, lighting and sound installations dotted around Weymouth town.

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Crowds gather to enjoy the live entertainment ahead of the Weymouth lights switch on in 2019

This year Weymouth's light switch on was carried out rather differently - from Dorchester.

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Special guests from Dorset County Hospital switched the lights on in an online video showing the resort's empty streets.

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There's barely anyone around in Weymouth town centre to enjoy the 2020 lights switch on

Dorset Echo:

Dorset Echo:

A lonely Christmas tree at the 2020 switch on

People have been invited to view the switch on at Weymouth Town Council's Facebook page.