THE Mayor of Waltham Forest officially switched on Walthamstow's Christmas lights on Saturday.

Cllr Anna Mbachu, with the town crier and council leader Chris Robbins, flicked the switch in the town square.

The event was marked by face-painting, entertainment and music.

The Walthamstow event is the first in a series of “switch-ons” across the borough.

On November 26, St John's Church, in Church Lane, Leytonstone, will host a series of children's activities, including Santa's grotto, before the lights are switched on at 6pm.

While the Leyton and Chingford will host switch ons on November 28 and December 5 respectively.

The Leyton event will take place at Leyton Mills shopping centre from 2pm to 5pm, while the Chingford celebration will be at the junction of Chingford Mount Road and Hall Lane from 2pm to 5pm.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter