AROUND 3,500 people braved the rain and packed into the Golden Square to see children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher light up the town for Christmas.

The CBeebies TV star was joined on stage by Father Christmas, girl band Misstasia and Warrington Wolves players for the big moment.

Justin, the man behind Mr Tumble, Justin’s House and Gigglebiz, told jokes, sang and danced to the delight of the crowd who joined him in a massive hokey cokey dance.

Afterwards Justin described the atmosphere for the big countdown in Old Market Square as magical.

He added: “Everyone got into the fun of the occasion, there was a real party atmosphere - it has made the build up to Christmas all the more exciting for me.

“I can’t believe how many people were there, waiting from early afternoon, for the event – it’s obviously one of the highlights of the year for Warrington.

“I love this time of year, it’s so lovely for children and families to get together to celebrate and spend time choosing gifts for their loved ones.”

On the night Britain’s Got Talent girl band Misstasia also performed a medley of Disney tunes and led a Christmas singalong while Warrington Wolves players Ashton Sims, Kevin Penny, James Laithwaite and Jack Hughes revealed the 2016 kit.

The festive fun continues in the shopping centre as work now starts to transform the Old Market Square into a Christmas Village which will open on Thursday until December 23.

See more pictures in this week's Warrington Guardian.