Regent Street Christmas lights 2019 are on! Thousands gather as London's famous shopping street is lit up

Thousands of people gathered tonight to watch the Christmas lights being switched on in London's famous shopping street.

Fireworks lit up the sky in Regent Street as celebrities gathered on stage to hit the switch on the Christmas lights.

The cast of White Christmas were joined by Jamie Theakston, Maisie Peters, Amanda Holden and The Script's Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan for the event.

The Script and Peters performed before the crowd counted down to the big red button being pressed by those on stage.

The event's organisers said 2019 marks a "monumental year" for Regent Street as the famous shopping location is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Twitter users posted their photos on social media of the glitzy event marking the countdown to Christmas.

"Crowds and much excitement on Regent Street ahead of turning on of the lights. Whether you like it or not, Christmas may be here..," one person wrote.

Another said: "Regent Street Christmas light switch on was a dream."

However, some on social media claimed problems with sound and screens at the event had rendered it "a shambles".

One wrote: "What a shambles. No sound, no video. What a way to remember the 200th anniversary."

Another said: "Rush to Regent Street after work and my daughter took tube to join me after school. So disappointed to see a black screen."

"The Script are playing on Regent Street but it’s so crowded and they didn’t even turn the big screen and loudspeakers on like," one said.

The organisers have been approached for comment.