The genie will be out of the lamp to launch a magical festive season in Mansfield at the annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

Guest celebrities from the Palace Theatre’s pantomime, Aladdin, and a full day of free entertainment for all the family are promised at The Big Switch On 2015 on Sunday, 15th November in Mansfield town centre, from 11am to 5pm.

The traditional event marks the opening of Santa’s grotto in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and the start of late-night shopping every Thursday from 19th November.

The event will include entertainment in the Market Place and a Christmas market from 11am to 5pm on West Gate.

Paddington will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day while elf stilt walkers will be mingling with the crowds. Visitors will also be able to learn a circus skills or magic tricks.

Mansfield BID will be running an Aladdin-themed prize treasure hunt. A stage show will include a performance by Mansfield Rock Choir and a brass band.

Aladdin stars set to make an appearance include panto baddie Abanazar, played by Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen from TV’s Waterloo Road), who said: “This panto is full of thrills and laughs and everyone gets the chance to be frightened. Abanazar has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He is a psychopath with a lust for power.”

“I’ve made a career out of playing baddies. When I was in my 20s I used to play boy-next-door type roles, but as I got older I started to look like a villain… I like frightening people.”

The switch-on will feature a Christmas parade near the library at 2pm and Santa will turn on the Christmas lights and start a firework display at the stage show in the Market Place at 3pm.

Mayor Kate Allsop said: “This will be a fantastic, fun family occasion and will be a wonderful way to hail the season of goodwill. Don’t stay at home, come along and get into the true spirit of Christmas in Mansfield.”

The event is being organised by Mansfield District Council with Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield 103.2, Mansfield BID, the Palace Theatre and our supporting partners, 6 five 2s Taxis.

Keep up-to-date with details of the event at www.mansfield.gov.uk/switchon