It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas now that the first festive light switch-on has taken place.

More than 150 children took part in a lantern procession from East Ham library and were able to have their faces painted and meet Father Christmas during Saturday afternoon’s event.

Entertainment was provided by choirs from Nelson Primary School and Young and Gifted, while the cast of Theatre Royal Stratford East’s pantomime, Robin Hood, also turned up.

Sir Robin Wales, who switched on the 25ft tree and street illuminations, said: “Switching on the Christmas lights is always one of my favourite times and judging by the large numbers of residents who come along each year and enjoy the seasonal fun it is popular with them too.”

More switch-ons are set to take place this weekend, with the Meridien Square, Stratford tree being lit up at 5pm on Friday and Green Street at 4.15pm on Saturday.