THE countdown to Christmas is officially under way in Romsey as thousands gathered to watch the annual festive lights switch-on.

The rain held off long enough for the 1,500 strong crowd to enjoy the annual carnival’s parade of floats through the market town on Saturday evening.

This year saw 21 entries inthe processionwith most reflecting the festive theme, before the lights were officially switched on.

Judges awarded the overall winner title to the 2nd Romsey Rainbows who dressed up as Christmas trees. T

he winner of the walking class was the 6th Romsey Brownies while the Jane Scarth House float was crowned winner of the motorised section.

Pete Lomer, spokesman for the carnival committee, said: “It went really well. We were very pleased that the rain held off. We had more entries this year than last and the standard of the floats was really very high.”