A FORMER X Factor star, a giant snow globe and Santa were just a few highlights when Christmas finally arrived in Ammanford last Friday evening.

Crowds gathered from 4pm as Quay Street transformed into a festive scene with a mini funfair and residents taking advantages of the late night shopping.

Queues to visit Santa filled the outside of the Pensioners Hall with children leaving with happy faces after receiving a sweet treat from the main man himself.

Radio Carmarthenshire were on hand to provide the entertainment with performances from local acts such as Rhian Williams from Ammanford and singing duo Scarlet’s Secret before X Factor’s Niall Sexton took to the stage to perform classic renditions of recent pop hits.

Ahead of the lights switch on, the crowds took part in the manikin challenge, a recent online phenomenon, which was led by Ammanford mayor Alex Smith and David Jenkins, Executive Board Member at Carmarthenshire County Council.

After Ammanford was lit up, it was time for Santa to leave his grotto and head back to Lapland to begin his final preparations for Christmas with the sound of Ammanford Town Silver Band and fireworks illuminating the sky.

Mayor of Ammanford Alex Smith said: “I was delighted with the fantastic turn out for the light switch-on last Friday evening.

“The weather was great and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in organising the event and to the shops who stayed open.

“Santa didn’t end up leaving the Pensioners Hall until 8pm, and I think he seen over 250 children which is brilliant.”