Thousands of people flocked to Ladysmith on Thursday for the 31st annual Festival of Lights kickoff.
Once Santa Claus flicked the switch on the lights people lined the streets at some places six deep to watch the parade make its way down First Avenue to the Chuck Perrin Christmas Tree beside Aggie Hall.
A spectacular fireworks show sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union was a highlight of the night.
The event runs for the next six weeks and is made possible by Festival of Lights volunteers.
