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Buy photos » Mayor Ken Hawkins is joined by Santa, Dumbledore and Postman Pat to turn the lights on. 47.012.027.sol.jm44
THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas has begun after the lights were switched on at the weekend.
This year's Christmas lights are now brightening up Solihull after they were switched on by Santa and some special guests on Saturday.
There was an afternoon of activities in Mell Square leading up to the big switch-on including a parade which featured people dressed as characters from children's stories.
And Santa took along his reindeer and penguins to greet children in his grotto in Touchwood where he will be everyday until Christmas Eve.
Observer photographer Jon Mullis took these photos at the event.
Buy photos» Ho ho ho - Santa arrives in Solihull. 47.012.027.sol.jm41
Buy photos» Crowds gathered to see Solihull’s Christmas lights switched on. 47.012.027.sol.jm47
Buy photos» A parade featured people dressed up as characters from children's stories. 47.012.027.sol.jm39
Buy photos» Elliott Williams with 17-year-old Humboldt Penguin Ferrari and handler Grace Dickinson from the Animal Company. Solihull Christmas Lights. 47.012.027.sol.jm12
Buy photos» Olivia Wouldron met Santa in his grotto. 47.012.027.sol.jm10
Buy photos» Lauren and Joshua enjoyed the rides at Solihull's Christmas Lights switch-on. 47.012.027.sol.jm7
Buy photos» This youngster was perfectly placed to watch the Solihull Christmas lights switch-on. 47.012.027.sol.jm17
Buy photos» Luke Baille and Claudia Williams with Humboldt Penguin Ferrari and handler Grace Dickinson from the Animal Company. 47.012.027.sol.jm11
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