THOUSANDS of people flocked to a shopping hub to watch an annual Christmas lights switch on extravaganza tonight.

Cwmbran Shopping Centre looked like a scene from a fairy tale with characters from the Disney feature Frozen, street entertainment, live music and carols.

Christmas elves, a bright stilt walker and a roaming magician entertained shoppers who gathered to watch the multi-coloured lights, and even snow flakes fall from the sky.

Musicians performed on two separate stages and orchestras provided a more intimate musical backdrop to the festivities.

Cwmbran mum Jade Gribe was at the shopping hub with her 15-month-old son Jayvon.

She said: "It is my first year. It is a bit wet, a bit cold but it's fun."

Cwmbran mum-of-two Kerry Martin, 37, attended the event her two-year-old Jack.

She said: "I thought my son might like to see the lights.

"I remember coming once. It was just a band in a corner. Now it's family oriented."

There were also festive street barrows selling delicious Christmas gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and marshmallows.

Families could buy wooden trains and shops stayed open until late last night.

Centre bosses said up to 12,000 people attended the event last year and hope even more shoppers were in Cwmbran tonight.