HUNDREDS of people have flocked to Bournemouth for the event that truly kickstarts the festive season- Christmas Tree Wonderland.

The popular spectacle made its return on Friday evening, seeing Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, seafront and town centre illuminated by a display of lights and Christmas decorations.

It was the first of many bright nights for the town, with the free event set to run until Monday, January 2.

Visitors enjoyed a festive trail through illuminated trees of all shapes, sizes, and themes, featuring old favourites such as the Warsaw tree and Bethlehem tree, and new additions the Kyiv Tree, Lucerne Tree, and Grand Vega Tree.

There was, of course, the iconic 60ft walk-through tree, which saw crowds come to a halt and stare in awe at the towering centrepiece.

But it wasn’t just trees that lined the Christmas Tree Wonderland trail; LED reindeers, giant Santa stockings and dazzling water features were just some of the other decorations on show this year.

Speaking from Christmas Tree Wonderland on its launch night, festival director Jon Weaver, said: “I think it’s grown and developed quite nicely. I’m particularly pleased with the new features.

“We’ve got the new trees and a few new features, but it has still got that core attraction with the feature tree, and the ice rink, which is fantastic.

“With everything, and the challenges everybody is facing, it’s great to have a free event like this where people can come and enjoy themselves.”

David Bailey of Bournemouth Coastal BID, who was also attending the launch night, said: “I think it’s brilliant. I think it’s better than ever.

“It’s so important, especially for the hospitality industry, to bring people down at this time of year. It just gives another dimension to the town.

“Given everything we’ve got going on at the moment, people still have a desire to go out and celebrate and have a good time.”

Cathy Chambers, who was visiting Christmas Tree Wonderland with her children, said: “It’s fabulous. It’s a free event as well so it’s a good way to get the whole family out. My sons are loving it.

"When we were walking under the big tree the Star Wars theme tune came on and my little one went crazy.”

Another visitor on opening night joked: “If I hadn’t just gotten back from Disney Land, this would look even better!”