PEOPLE power helped the snow queen illuminate Festival Place this evening (November 16) as the shopping centre kicked off its Christmas festivities.

Hundreds of people gathered at Festival Place to officially start the town’s countdown to Christmas with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

A light-up parade, featuring woodland animals and schoolchildren from across Basingstoke and Deane tonight kicked off six weeks of festive activities at the shopping centre.

Starting at The Malls, the parade weaved its way down to Portchester Square, where they were greeted by the giant woodland snowy owl.

After a few renditions of Christmas songs, such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, from the Festival foxes, the hoards of people were introduced to Dani Harmer, aka Snow White in this year's Anvil pantomime, who joined the woodland creatures in trying to get the lights on.

Guests in attendance were given an illuminated wristbands to be part of the parade and were informed by the snow queen that they needed to be waved high in the air for the owl to spread its wings and light up all the festive forrest's fireflies.

After frantically waving the wings lifted, the shopping centre was illuminated with frosty lights to signify the start of Christmas.

Susan Coolidge, 37, of Popley, who was at the event with her three-year-old son Hayden, said the event was good because it made everyone feel involved.

She said: "We followed the parade down into Festival Place and all the woodland animals were waving and smiling at Hayden.

"It is clear there was a lot of planning and thought that went into this."

Tonight kicks off six weeks of activities at the shopping centre including, Snowball Throwball competition, become a Stealthy Elfy in a laser mission, get hands-on with the latest children’s gifts at the Toy Lab, take time out in Christmas wreath-making workshops, get their gifts wrapped for a donation to St Michael’s Hospice, and get present tips from the centre’s very own Fairy Gift Mother.

For full details see below:

November 16 to December 24 – Snowball Throwball

Visitors will be invited to test their aim in the Snowball Throwball competition.

November 16 to December 24 – Gift Guide Live

Gift Guide Live will offer advice on gifting needs, hosted by the Fairy Gift Mother on November 17 and 18.

November 24 and 25 – Cracker Station

Shoppers can crafty and join the Festival Place elves at the Christmas Cracker Making Station.

December 1 and 2 – The Toy Lab

Visitors can try out the latest toys, gadgets and Christmas must-haves for little, and not so little, kids.

December 8 to 22: Stealthy Elfy

Interactive laser game in which challengers must get the presents under the tree without being caught to climb the leaderboard.

Various dates between November 16 and December 16: Flower Therapy

The Hampshire Flower Studio will host wreath making workshops for adults only. Tea and cake will be provided. Book attendance in advance at the Customer Lounge in Festival Place.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December: The Happy Wrappy Place

Get an extra pair of hands to wrap those tricky presents. Donations in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

November 15 to December 24 – Santa’s Grotto

Youngsters are invited to meet Jolly Old Saint Nick in his grotto.