Pop Idol flicks the switch

Christmas arrived in Regent Street last night when pop singer Will Young flicked the switch on the famous Christmas lights and made it snow on the thousands of shoppers watching the event.

Despite the miserable weather Regent Street became the setting for the world's biggest free street party.

DJ Mark Goodier and The United Colours of Sound (headed by Carrie Grant voice coach for BBC's Fame Academy) got the party started but it was when Pop Idol's Will took to the balcony that the atmosphere really took off.

Young serenaded the crowd with 'You and I' and 'Don't Let Me Down' from his new double A side single, which he had recorded in aid of BBC Childen in Need, and a special Christmassy rendition of 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland.' Christmas if finally here...

Check out the lights at Regent Street, London, W1, tube Oxford Circus