Crowds gathered in their thousands to enjoy the Light Up the Lane spectacular on Sunday.

The event takes place each year in Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas. An estimated 3,000 were present during the afternoon and evening, where they were entertained by dance troupes, bands and school choirs.

It is arranged by the Pitshanger Community Association (PCA) and partly funded by the Pitshanger Village Traders’ Association (PVTA).

Visitors were treated to a Christmas market, shops had stalls selling festive gifts, food and mulled wine was available, and Santa also popped in to enjoy the activities. The highlight was the turning on of the lights on the trees either side of Pitshanger Lane, which will remain lit until January.

PCA chairwoman Karen Jacks said the family fun day was a big success. She said: “It’s difficult to say how many were there but I’d estimate there were around 3,000. It was very busy between 4pm and 7pm, and the traders had a very good evening.

“It was a lovely evening and Pitshanger Lane looks very pretty. There are trees on both sides of the lane and it creates an avenue of light as you go down it.”