Take That switch on London's Regent Street Christmas lights

Take That have switched on central London's Regent Street Christmas lights.

Thousands of people braved the wet weather to watch singers Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen turn them on at about 17:00 GMT.

The lights have a Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb movie theme.

The switch-on was followed by fireworks and musical performances by Union J, Jessie Ware and The Jersey Boys.

In a statement, Take That said: "Turning on the Christmas lights in London is like the starter gun for the main event.

"It's the official start to the party season."

Regent Street was closed to traffic between 12:00 and 18:00 to allow the festivities to take place.

The Regent Street lights have a movie theme