THOUSANDS of people gathered in Taunton town centre this evening for the annual Christmas lights switch on.

In the build-up Father Christmas thrilled the children on stage in front of the Market House.

He and the Carnival Royalty were drawn to the Market House in a horse and carriage, to the sounds of the Blackdown Hills Samba Band.

And an added attraction this year was a heliosphere which saw a woman floating above the crowds as two men guided her around.

The show lasted about 15 minutes, the last five minutes of which coincided with the impressive fireworks display.

Castle Green also hosted a funfair for adults and children.

Tell us what you thought of the switch-on weekend - just fill in the Your Say box below.

We have put some of the issues raised by readers to town centre manager Graham Love - see the County Gazette on Thursday, November 25, to see what he said.

Click on the Related Links below for a full photo gallery of the event.