The festive season is here, and Harrow celebrated it in style with a spectacular party in the town centre.

Hundreds gathered on Saturday to watch Harrow lit up with enchanting Christmas lights, switched on by 10-year-old Aarohi Kulkarni, who earned the honour after winning the Christmas Card competition ran by the Harrow Observer and Harrow Council throughout October and November.

Her parents Sachin and Himani Kulkarni, of Elm Drive, Harrow, said their daughter – who goes to Alpha Preparatory School in Hindes Road, Harrow – was delighted to win and had a great time being centre stage, turning on the lights alongside the leader of the council Councillor Susan Hall (Conservative) and the Mayor of Harrow Councillor Nana Asante.

There was a fantastic atmosphere across St Ann’s Road, with beautiful food and goods for sale at Harrow's Christmas market as traders flocked to give the borough some extra festive cheer.

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Local act MITSOTU, who featured in 2012's ITV talent show X Factor, performed live, with the rest of the music provided by Harrow Community Radio, hosted by Adam Allinson.

Mr Allinson told the Observer: "It was phenomenal. I have never seen the town centre so busy which was so nice, and the fireworks were incredible. The evening was such a great way to start Christmas in Harrow."

Revelers across the borough had a great time, with Dhisha Meisuria tweeting: "Thank you @harrow_council for putting on a brilliant show today, excellent fireworks."

Video by Husain Akhtar