MORE than two thousand people turned out for the official switch on of Penarth's Christmas lights on the weekend.

The town was packed full of people of all ages on Sunday.

The event saw a variety of different rides and stalls at the town centre, as well as children decorating lanterns and taking part in an annual parade.

There were also stage performances from Wonderbrass, Ellie of Penarth Circus, Tabs Penarth House Band, and more than 90 members of Rock Choir.

For many, the highlight was seeing Santa arrive in a 1930s Beauford Convertible.

Town mayor councillor Mike Cuddy and volunteers from RNLI, accompanied him.

Donations were made throughout the day in aid of a new lifeboat for Penarth.

Lizzie Smith, aged 16, was among those in attandeance. She said: "My favourite part was seeing Santa and Mrs Claus.

"We were all happy when we saw them come.

"I also liked the music and the lights were pretty."

Joe Barnes, 22, a student at Cardiff University, added: "I've been coming to the Penarth lights switch on for years.

"I just love the atmosphere and seeing everyone happy.

"I couldn't get over the number of people here.

"Seeing Santa Claus had to be the high light of the night."

Penarth's Christmas lights were officially switched on just after 5pm.

Resident Greg Clarke said: "The turning on of the lights puts all of us in a Christmas mood.

"I enjoyed seeing so many people take part in the parade.

"People were all dressed up in lots of bright colours and costumes."

A spokesman from Penarth Town Council said: "The town council wish to thank everybody who came along and made the event what it was, including those who decorated lanterns and took part in the parade."