HUNDREDS of excited people got into the festive spirit early this year as they watched Basildon town centre light up for Christmas.

Best friends Cara Kilbey and Billi Mucklow, who star in the hit ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex, dropped by to flick the all-important switch.

Despite the downpours, umbrella-laden shoppers filled the town square to make sure the festivities went off in style.

There was something for everyone on Saturday, with funfairs, a festive market, and fireworks to dazzle the youngsters. There was also live entertainment from local talent including the Basildon Choral Society and stars of the Towngate Theatre’s production of Peter Pan.

Mike Horton, manager of the Eastgate Centre, said: “The whole town is buzzing with excitement over this, as they were last weekend when we opened our Christmas grotto.

“There are lots and lots of people here today, both in the market and the Eastgate, which is great to see. Clearly people are getting into the spirit of things well ahead of the festive season.”