One lucky child will get the opportunity to turn on Mansfield’s Christmas lights at this year’s Big Switch On event.

A VIP prize package up for grabs in a competition includes front of stage viewing for the child and up to four members of their family, as well as a prize pack of Christmas goodies. The winner will then appear on stage alongside the stars of the show to press the button to switch on Mansfield’s festive lights and launch a firework display.

The package will be auctioned off by radio station Mansfield 103.2 from 14 to 17 November as part of its breakfast show. The highest bid received during the week will wun the prize with all the money raised being donated to King’s Mill Hospital’s appeal.

From 7 to 11 November, listeners to the radio station can also enter competitions to win a private taxi ride to the event. Thanks to 6five2s taxis, five families will be collected by taxi from their home and driven to the event. They will also receive front of stage passes to watch the show.

More information about both competitions is at www.mansfield.gov.uk/switchon or by listening to Mansfield 103.2.

This year’s event will be full of family fun and festive music from 11am. The Market Place will host a circus skills workshop, Christmas face-painting and children’s party alongside music from Pleasley Colliery Welfare brass band and The Red Hot Band, which will be offering a jazz and swing sound. At 3pm a theatre school concert will begin on stage with performances from Razzamataz and Funky Studios.

The Four Seasons Shopping Centre will be holding a Buzzy B Club Peter Pan finger puppet workshop from 11am. Then families can watch Santa’s Big Arrival Show, which is repeated at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm at the Buttercross area at the side of Mansfield Library, to welcome Santa and his festive friends to Mansfield.

The main stage show itself begins at 3.30pm in the Market Place and is filled with musical entertainment, appearances from stars of the Palace Theatre’s pantomime, Peter Pan and a special sing along with The Snowman™.

Mayor Kate Allsop said: “The VIP package will be a memorable experience for one lucky child and is an opportunity to raise money for the King’s Mill Toy Appeal, which helps to bring some cheer to children who are in hospital at this time of year.

“The whole event will be great fun for everyone with such a big range of festive activities. Make sure you bring all you friends and family along.”

Spaces are available on the viewing platform for disabled visitors, call 01623 463376 to book a place before 16 November.

The event is being organised by Mansfield District Council with support from Mansfield and Ashfield Chad, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield 103.2, 6five2s taxis, Mansfield BID and the Palace Theatre.

Full details can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/switchon or like the mymansfielduk Facebook page.