ATTENTION firmly switched to the festive holidays as thousands witnessed Jubilee Square become a beacon of Christmas spirit.

Residents poured into the town centre for an evening of song, dance, music and Christmas cheer which culminated in a light switch-on and fireworks display worthy of Saint Nicholas himself.

The man in red was accompanied by children’s TV presenter, panto star and celebrity guest Justin Fletcher for the Woking Shopping-led event in the heart of the borough on Thursday. Centre manager for Woking Shopping, James Waugh, hailed Jubilee Square’s maiden switch-on.

He said: “We really wanted to do something different this year and make sure visitors of all ages would have a night to remember.

“Jubilee Square is a beautiful location and, with all the fantastic performances and the spectacular fireworks display, we think we achieved just that.” Starting in the early afternoon, the event was hosted by Eagle FM DJ Lewis Mason and featured performances by local groups and schools including Woking High School wind band, Woking Dance Festival, Brookwood Primary School and Summerscales Performing Arts.

An all-singing, all-dancing production by Nick Jr favourites the Go!Go!Go! show followed.

Topping the bill was a singing performance by CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher, who will be taking on the role of Buttons in the New Victoria Theatre’s panto performance of Cinderella from December 6.

But even he was made to share the spotlight with appearances from Peppa Pig and Father Christmas, some cheeky elves and a fairy who sent the younger members of the crowd home bursting with excitement.

The lights are on and everything is in place, now the countdown to Christmas 2013 can truly begin.