WREXHAM became a winter wonderland last night at the official Christmas lights switch-on.

A galaxy of celebrities joined in the festivities, including TV presenter Tim Vincent and the Crusaders rugby team.

Speaking after the event, which saw thousands surge into Queen’s Square, Wrexham-born Tim said: “It went fantastically well. It was brilliant.

“Everybody was in top form and it didn’t rain, which was good.

“It was a lovely, Christmassy mood.”

The warm-up began at 5pm and at 6pm the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Jim Kelly, welcomed the crowds.

Tim handed out prizes and goodies as well as introducing the cast from the Aladdin panto, showing at Glyndwr University over the festive period.

More than 7,000 tickets have been sold for the panto so far.

Wrexham’s rugby league stars, the Crusaders also chatted and signed autographs.

The switch-on marks the beginning of Christmas in the town with late night shopping starting next Thursday.

The Father Christmas grotto will open the following week on Thursday, December 2.

There will also be a Christmas village in Queen’s Square between December 2 and 4 and the Christmas markets make an appearance on December 9.