Spectacular switch-on launches Christmas

Thousands packed into Malaga city centre on Friday evening to witness the switching on of the Christmas lights. The display promised to be as spectacular as previous years' with another "tunnel" of light stretching the length of central shopping street Calle Larios leading up to an 18-metre-high sparkling "tree" in the Plaza de la Constitución.

This year's structure is inspired by Malaga cathedral, with stained glass windows and giant domes which came alive on Friday thanks to thousands of lights.

The sound and light show that brought in thousands of visitors and shoppers last year has been repeated, this time with new music: between now and 6 January the lights will flash in time to three pieces: Boney M's Feliz Navidad, The Boston Pops Orchestra's Christmas Festival and Wizards in Winter by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The eight-minute show takes place twice a day, at 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Friday's switching-on ceremony included more festive activities and entertainment, culminating in a concert by popular duo Andy and Lucas.