In pictures: Crowds come out in force for Ballymena's dazzling Christmas lights switch-on

The event marked the first in a series of Mid and East Antrim council festivities taking place right across the borough.

Delivered in partnership with Ballymena BID and Downtown Radio, the family-friendly event featured Christmas characters and entertainers, live music from Ballymena Strummers and Ballymena Community Choir, as well as face painting and Christmas crafts - with the Downtown Radio Roadshow, hosted by Gary Myles, taking centre stage from 4pm.

In the evening much-anticipated Festive Parade made its way through Ballymena with performances from the Cullybackey Pipe Band, pupils from Ballymena Primary School and Dunclug Primary School, festive floats, and Santa’s Clydesdale horses and dray.

The parade paused at Harmony Hub where Santa, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a pupil from Castle Tower Special Education School officially switched on the Ballymena Christmas lights.