LIVE BLOG: Swindon town centre Christmas lights switch-on

This is our live blog following the switch-on of Swindon's town centre Christmas lights at Wharf Green from 6pm today - part of last year's stunning fireworks display. This year's are due to start at 7pm...

Don't forget to tweet using #swindonlights

• Tonight's live blog is sponsored by Domino's Pizzas

‏@sharront1979: Stood in the cold at the front of the barriers ready for #swindonlights with flashing things on my head!!

@BerenCross  3m3 minutes ago

Yes, it's that time of the year again: the Christmas lights are being switched on. Stage, lights and very loud music. #SwindonLights

‏@BerenCross  10m10 minutes ago

Flashing light rods and bubble guns being sold by street traders. McDonald's machine marches on with a rammed restaurant. #SwindonLights

Beren Cross's picture of Father Christmas on stilts at Wharf Green is being held up as example of all that's wrong with taking pictures on your phone by our picture editor - better pictures to follow later.

Honestly, we have a man there with a REAL camera and he did a great job at last year's switch-on...

If this doesn't make you hungry nothing will! 

• Our live blog is sponsored by Domino's Pizzas

Colourfully lit stage which will host Britain's Got Talent 2012 winners Ashleigh & Pudsey later. #SwindonLights

Crowds have gathered ahead of the 6.30pm kick-off for events leading up to the switch-on of Swindon town centre's Christmast lights... and Beren's picture are improving, we're told by an expert sitting in a warm seat. We never doubted his abilities for a moment, of course.

@BerenCross tweets: The party can officially start. Mayor and Labour councillor Teresa Page is here. Thoroughly enjoying the tunes. #SwindonLights

• Meanwhile it's time to remind you that our live blog is sponsored by Domino's Pizzas tonight 

@DerekWyvern: At #swindon Christmas lights switch on in wharf green. Crowds of people. Well done @inSwindon

@BerenCross · 3m3 minutes ago

Rockin' Robin and a large penguin are now engaging in some kind of dance-off. #SwindonLights

Thanks, Beren - keep tweeting #swindonlights!

Now things are really beginning to happen as the crowds are roused from the stage - not that they need much encouragement!

• We had a small issue with the logo of our sponsors - Domino's Pizzas - earlier. Let's hope this puts things right. I'd imagine everyone can read this...

@BerenCross's latest picture is of Emily Smith, with a performance based on the Nightmare Before Christmas. #SwindonLights

I can hear fireworks from the office, so until we can bring you the pictures here's a little something from our sponsors:

The lights are on!

Ashleigh and Pudsey wish everyone a Happy Christmas!

• Here's one last mention of tonight's live blog sponsors, Domino's Pizzas 

Photographer Dave Cox and reporter Beren Cross are back in the office so it's time to thank everyone for taking a look at our live blog, sign out and tackle tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser page 3, which is where you'll find more pictures of tonight's fun and fireworks!