HUNDREDS of people descended on Grays' High Street this afternoon for Grays' first ever Christmas lights official switch on.
The lights twinkled and glittered as families and couples converged to enjoy talent from TV and from not so far abroad.
Organisers for one of Grays' biggest events to date worked hard to pull together a string of talent line-up from X Factor star to local choirs.
All the way up from the college down to the high street were stalls and performers showing off both national - and local - talent.
Further down the high street were carol-singers, children playing with giant bubble-blowers, selfies with TV stars and a Christmassy market.
The Gazette caught up with some families and managed to catch Jeff Brazier in-between thirty different selfies.
Mr Brazier, who is starring as the Prince in this year’s Thameside panto Sleeping Beauty, said: “Coming back to Grays feels a bit like coming home again, I just walked back in the door and felt like I hadn't been away.
"It’s incredible what the college has done today.Some of the talent was amazing. You know, it really doesn't feel like I'm working - just like I'm out having a good time!"
Mayor Sue Gray had a big grin on her face. She said: "I'm absolutely loving it - it makes it feel like Christmas. All this hard work that goes into putting something like this on and it feels wonderful - all the people are happy and smiling."
The Turkey Lurkey act by the @SouthEssexColl Theatre students! pic.twitter.com/GcqfhO6qfv
— Thurrock Council (@Thurrock_biz) November 19, 2015
#Thurrocklights @southessexcoll @dimensions_co shaking their stuff!! https://t.co/5gJgFBZ2qX
— South Essex College (@SouthEssexColl) November 19, 2015
More of @SouthEssexColl's amazing students performing for the #Grays #Christmas #LightsSwitchOn pic.twitter.com/kovF5MC9KN
— Thurrock Council (@Thurrock_biz) November 19, 2015
See live tweets and pictures from the event below. Join in by tweeting #GraysLights
Can you spot yourself in our photo gallery? View our pictures here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here