HAMPSHIRE’S historic capital has begun the countdown to Christmas by turning its ancient streets into a blaze of colour.

Thousands of people gathered in the centre of Winchester last night to watch the city’s spectacular Christmas lights display burst into life.

The narrow pedestrianised roads filled with an ever-increasing number of visitors as the big switch-on grew near.

Entertainment for the event, organised by Winchester Business Improvement District, included a feast of live music, with a temporary stage erected outside the floodlit guildhall and a huge screen giving spectators a close-up view of each performer.

Topping the bill were Ward Thomas, a country music duo formed by 22-year-old twins Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas from Petersfield.

Earlier this year they made history with Cartwheels, which reached No1 in the UK album charts - making them the first-ever UK country act to achieve that feat.

Other celebrities helping the city to go Christmas crazy included Santa himself, whose appearance was arranged by Winchester Round Table.

The famous red-suited figure climbed on to the stage to help the mayor, Cllr Jane Rutter, switch on the lights, aided by Dylan Cropp-Morris, 13, a Year 9 pupil at Westgate School, who was picked out of the crowd.

They were joined by the Ugly Sisters from Cinderella, this year’s pantomime at the city’s Theatre Royal.

Today sees the start of Winchester’s German-style Christmas market, which comprises more than 100 wooden chalets and attracts 350,000 visitors a year.

The city is also celebrating the return of the Daily Echo-backed ice rink at Winchester Cathedral.

The rink has been given a makeover to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The biggest change is the addition of a transparent roof over the 595 square metres of ice, guaranteeing skaters a rain-free session.