Father Christmas and his reindeer paid an early visit to Bradford today, much to the delight of hordes of young fans.

Hundreds of young families turned out for the Kirkgate Shopping Centre’s annual Santa and reindeer parade.

The parade was led by a marching band playing Christmas songs. Following them were horse-drawn carriages carrying festive charaters and then the star attraction – Father Christmas and six real reindeer.

Children were given card reindeer antlers to wear as the parade made its way from the shopping centre through the city-centre streets to Centenary Square and back again.

The centre will be open until 9pm every Thursday before Christmas, and offer a free Santa's Grotto from today up until Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile, Bradford’s Christmas lights sprang into life after aerial dancers spun high over City Park in a stunning event followed by spectacular fireworks last night.

Some 10,000 adults and children gathered for sensational start to the festive season provided by Spanish art project Voala working with British band Duchamp Pilot.

As anthemic music rocked the City Hall clock, gymnastic figures twirled in geometric shapes 30m high above the crowd.

The evening began in seasonal style with carols and a medley of Christmas favourites by the Bradford Festival Choral Society.