In pictures: Basil Brush turns on Windsor's Christmas lights

Panto stars helped kick start the festive season in Windsor by helping to switch on the town’s Christmas lights display.

Sky presenter Martin Stanford helped introduce the acts and St George’s School led a lantern parade along Peascod Street and up to Windsor Castle.

Famous fox Basil Brush took to the stage just before 5.30pm on Saturday and began the countdown before officially switching on the lights.

Speaking before the switch on, the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Cllr Eileen Quick, thanked the crowd for turning up despite it being a ‘bitterly cold day’.

Projections onto the castle returned this year and showed images of stained glass window designs.

“There has been a great evening of entertainment,” said Windsor Town manager Paul Roach.

“It has been a fantastic day and a wonderful way to kick start Christmas in Windsor.”

The town lights had added sparkle this year thanks to a £150,000 investment from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.