Christmas was officially launched in Douglas as the festive lights around the capital were switched on.

Organised by Douglas Borough Council the event began with Douglas Town Band opening the proceedings with seasonal music.

Santa had set up his grotto in the gardens adjoining the town hall, while, on the stage in John Street, live acts including local actor and musician Jack Divers, performed with all the live on-stage entertainment streamed onto screens in Ridgeway Street where they were enjoyed by large crowds of people.

The Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin, accompanied by Deacon Graham Priest, offered prayers before switching on the Christmas lights, accompanied by falling ’snow’.

Douglas Council’s electrical services team were responsible for the dazzling display of lights. They have been busy on the project for a while: this year’s lights were ordered back in May and June and the team have been out putting all the lights up around the town since the beginning of October.

The display included snowflake and star decorations, more than 80 red ’pyramid’ trees and 11 bays of ’net lighting’ suspended over the main shopping areas.

The Christmas lighting schemes, all of which are low-energy - are controlled by around 70 timers.