Tens of thousands of revellers from across Renfrewshire packed into the heart of Paisley for the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On party.

Headliners at Saturday’s celebrations were Northern Irish rockers Ash, who marked the start of the festive season with a performance that featured a string of hits.

The big switch-on was part of a winter events programme being staged in support of Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture for 2021.

Festive fun-seekers enjoyed a host of free family entertainment earlier in the day, including a Reindeer Parade along the High Street.

Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron pressed the button to light up the town, assisted by 10-year-old Aleena Albin, from St Peter’s Primary School, in Paisley.

Aleena was handed the honour after winning a schools competition to design a Christmas card.

Provost Cameron said: “It was great to get out and about and see so many of the community – especially young people – enjoying one of the biggest events of the year.

“Our festive events are always really special and memorable – and this year’s was no exception.”

Ash showcased hits such as Girl From Mars, A Life Less Ordinary and, fittingly, Shining Light before snow cannons blasted confetti across the crowd.

Clyde 1 favourites Callum Gallacher, Greigsy Grant Thomson, Amber, George Bowie and Cassie Gillespie added to the seasonal atmosphere by playing Christmas classics from the main stage.

Meanwhile, at Paisley Abbey, shoppers snapped up some early gifts from the Slug in a Bottle Christmas Market, while the merry Massaoke band played festive favourites with the words displayed on giant screens so that everyone could join in.

Paisley has been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture title alongside Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea, with a decision expected next month.

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 bid director, said: “With a decision on the UK City of Culture title expected within weeks, it was great to see so many people flocking to our unique town centre to enjoy one of the biggest and most popular occasions on our winter events calendar.

“It’s also a reminder of how the town is able to host major events such as this latest one.”

Paisley is also gearing up to host the four-week WinterFest Christmas spectacular, with plans for an ice rink, a panoramic Star Flyer ride and a continental-style market.

Hosted by local business improvement district Paisley First, the plans also include a free festive Nutcracker Trail, with 10 nutcracker kings spread throughout the town, from Saturday, December 2 until Saturday, December 16.

For more information on Paisley’s City of Culture bid, visit the website at www.paisley2021.co.uk.