DJ Norman Jay hits the switch on Carnaby Street's Christmas lights 2017

Thousands of people turned out to see the Carnaby Street Christmas lights switch on in London on Thursday.

The well-known DJ Norman Jay led the proceedings, blasting out a selection of upbeat tracks before finally flicking the switch at 6pm.

The local music legend played tracks such as 'Hey Ya' by Outkast and 'Want You Back' by The Jackson 5 to entertain the crowds.

He said: "I'm really chuffed to be switching on the Carnaby Street lights tonight...As a born-and-bred Londoner, it's a huge honour."

The crowd were met with a parade of carnival dancers - all still smiling despite temperatures as low as 7C.

On top of this, a number of local shops and restaurants offered visitors a one-off 20 per cent discount for the occasion.

One onlooker said: "There are some absolutely stunning colours and carnival vibes on Carnival Street right now...It was a truly magical and beautiful evening."

The lights will remain on Carnaby Street into January, giving visitors plenty of time to see them in person.