AN extravaganza of festive cheer ensured Christmas exploded into life in Kendal and Ambleside.

Tens of thousands of people collectively gathered to watch the Christmas lights begin to twinkle and they were entertained by a whole host of weird and wonderful acts.

In Ambleside, which celebrated its switch-on on Saturday, crowds were treated to a fun fair and skating rink as well as a hog roast and even a samba band.

A parade through the town featured more than 200 hand-made lanterns in all shapes and sizes.

Santa then moved through the town, lighting it up as he went before a climactic firework display left spectators purring with delight.

Andrew Hewitt, Ambleside's Christmas Lights Committee chairman, said: "I say it every year but this was the best one ever. It all went smoothly and we were very lucky with the weather. I can say with all certainty that there'll be another Christmas Lights switch on next year!”"

Father Christmas then made the trip to Kendal, which celebrated its official lights switch-on the following day.

Young and old were entertained by Britain's Got Talent star Zipparah Tafari, famous for his song 'Where's my keys, where's my phone' as well as up and coming girl band Tiger Heart.

A herd of reindeer travelled from their home in the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands for the occasion.

The lights were officially switched on by Kendal's Mayor, Tom Clare.

Mayor Clare said: "It's just so good to light up the town and see so many young children here - it's absolutely fantastic."

The Gazette spoke to Father Christmas, who had a message for the children of Kendal.

"I want to tell the children that they have got to be good and look after their parents and that I will do my best to deliver their presents," said Santa.

"I travel all over the world but the lights here are absolutely brilliant - they are the best I have seen.

"Every time I come to Kendal I get a warm welcome."