Thousands of people rushed to Southend High Street tonight for the annual Christmas light switch on event.

Crowds cheered as Christmas was launched in Southend by X Factor star Matt Linnen, among other dignitaries.

Matt wowed the crowds with his performance as did other south Essex based performers.

As the magic plunger was pushed the high street and town lit up.

The event was organised by Southend Business Improvement District (BID), and there was a variety of family entertainment throughout the day.

It finished with a huge firework display on the seafront.

A number of dignitaries and people took to Twitter to post about how successful the event was including James Duddridge MP.