THOUSANDS of people braved the elements on Friday evening to take part in one of Barry's biggest ever celebrations.

Revellers of all ages gathered around King Square for music, fireworks, magicians, street entertainers and of course the switching-on of the Christmas lights.

The celebration was to mark the completion of the old town hall's transformation into a new £10 million county library and the refurbishment of Central Park.

Children in Need's Pudsey Bear helped with the switching-on, and was joined by the Holton Road School Choir, VIBE singers, the Keith Little Jazz Band, Mabon, Purple Hearts, Barry Male Voice Choir and the RAF St Athan Band.

Council leader Cllr Jeff James hailed the evening as a "great community event" and said that he hoped the switching-on of the lights would mark the beginning of a new and confident Barry.

A council spokesman said: "The council extends its thanks to the many traders who opened their doors for the late-night crowds, and especially Wilkinson who donated confectionery for the event.

"Further town centre events in the run-up to Christmas are a Continental Market from December 7 to December 9 and a Christmas Grotto on December 9."