HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Southampton for a parade that formally opened the new £85 million WestQuay Watermark leisure complex.

Families, couples and passers-by braved the rain on Saturday afternoon to watch the carnival-themed light-parade march through the streets.

Before the parade set off, locals gathered in Guildhall Square to be treated to a show by a festive band.

The group played scores of Christmas songs, new pop hits and their take on famous songs, as locals young and old danced in puddles.

Also at the gathering were a number of volunteers passing out glow sticks and illuminated umbrellas, which kept the kids entertained in the miserable weather.

One resident, Joan Mann, attended the even with her two children Susie and Jacob.

She said even though the number of people expected to attend was smaller because of the weather, those that did turn out made it a fun occasion to remember.

“When we turned up and it was raining I didn’t expect to see a lot of people here,” said Mrs Mann.

“But it was nice to see so many people dancing in puddles and having a nice time. The kids really enjoyed themselves.”

Setting off from Guildhall Square, onlookers were treated to a festive band playing scores of Christmas songs and recent pop hits; people of all ages were dancing in puddles.

The parade, followed by scores of people with illuminated umbrellas, marched through East Park, Palmerston Park and Houndwell Park before finishing up at the new Watermark development.

A light show followed, with a local choir, dances and more drummers entertaining the crowds.

The event was finished off in The Esplanade, when scenes of Southampton through the ages was projected onto the historic city walls.

Visitors will be able to see these projections again until Thursday, December 15, with the seven-minute show starting on the hour from 5pm to 9pm every day.

On Thursday, eateries such as The Real Greek, CAU, Franco Manca, Thaikun and Byron were the first to welcome people at the Watermark.

Further openings of the remaining restaurants, Hollywood Bowl and Showcase Cinema de Lux will continue throughout December and early next year.

After the event Southampton local, Jenny Bradley, 27, said she really likes to new complex.

She said: “It has a lot of new restaurants and, when the cinema and bowling alley are up and running, it will be a great place to go.

“I normally look to go away for my weekends to other cities, but now we have this in Southampton, I may be more inclined to stay!”

During the first weekend, entertainment included face painters, live acrobats, ballet dancers and hip hop dance troupes plus Heston Blumenthal lookalike on stilts act who will be on hand to welcome the new restaurant line-up.