A SPECTACULAR fireworks display and plenty of special guests marked the start of Christmas at Festival Place tonight.

Basingstoke boy band Concept proved a big draw, singing to their screaming fans before the countdown to the lights switch-on took place.

Keith Chegwin, who will star in the Cinderella panto at The Anvil this year, pressed the red buzzer to start a colourful 10-minute firework display.

Other acts on stage included Basingstoke Rock Choir and singing duo Common Ground.