THOUSANDS of people packed into the town centre for Kendal’s Christmas Lights Switch On.
 

Families, groups of friends and weekend workers gathered on the Stricklandgate for the fun filled event.
 

Dozens of Santas raced into the Christmas season with a mile-long Santa Dash, in aid of Cancer Care which saw 15-year-old Thomas Hinson from Sedbergh claim first place.
 

Speaking after he crossed the finish line he said: “I wasn’t actually meant to be running today, it was my dad who persuaded me to last minute.
 

“It feels good to win, it’s for a great cause and we have had fun.”
 

Meanwhile at Abbot Hall, six of Santa’s reindeers were on show to visitors before parading through the town with special guest Lewis Friar, 11, from Sandgate School accompanying Santa in his sleigh.
 

Crowds braced the cold November weather to walk with the parade which headed by Queen Kathrine School’s Samba Band as well as Kendal’s Concert Band.
 

Stalls lined the market place with the Mayor's Stall serving Glühwein, hot chocolate and mince pies in aid of the Mayor's charity, The Gateway Centre.
 

The switch on show was presented by Simon Yaxley from Lakeland Radio.
 

On the main stage, live performances included two ‘Search for a Star 2013’ winners Hayden Sorrenson and Tiffany Southward, along with singer/songwriter Evie Plumb.
 

The Mayor of Kendal Coun Sylvia Emmott addressed the crowd from the stage along with Lewis who proudly pulled the trigger to light up the town.
 

“What a fabulous day,” Mrs Emmott said.
 

“Huge crowds have turned out despite a very drizzly day and I would really like to thank each and every sponsor and performer that has worked to make it such a success.
 

“We’ve had some great performances on the stage and it was nice to see so many children enjoying themselves. I am really quite emotional from it.”