The Christmas tree has arrived, the lights are up, and the stage is set. Excitement is building in Mansfield as the town gears up for its annual Big Switch On event.

Attracting thousands of spectators yearly, The Big Switch On will again feature a variety of star-studded music acts, children’s entertainment, tasty food stalls, roaming musical bands, a princess singer, and Santa himself in the Market Place.

From 12noon, there will be family fun on West Gate, including a variety of rides, food stalls, face painting, music from the Moonshiners, and festive craft activities.

There will also be festive gingerbread decoration activities in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, alongside meet and greets with Santa in his grotto.

The free stage show will be hosted by Mansfield 103.2’s Ian Watkins and John B Tannen, kicking off at 3pm, alongside special guests, including Miss Margo and Jono Edwards. As well as the Moonshiners and busker Wes Dolan on West Gate performing live music on the day, the comedy string quartet Graffiti Classics and Princess performers will also be at the event, performing in different locations throughout the day.

Unfortunately, due to a last-minute schedule conflict, Simon Webbe will no longer be attending the Big Christmas Switch On. Singer and songwriter Tinchy Stryder has been named as his replacement.

Mansfield District Council, with event partners Mansfield BID, Canvas, Mansfield 103.2, and Four Seasons Shopping Centre, are reminding visitors of the music line-up for the main stage:

• Luke Hingley as Michael Bublé – officially endorsed by Mr Bublé himself! Who doesn’t love a bit of Bublé at Christmas?
• Crowd Karaoke with Jono Edwards, Miss Margo and DJ Lucas Starnes – the biggest festive singalong in Mansfield history? Absolutely!
• Ellie Butler – Recently crowned World Karaoke Championship winner in Panama last week, Ellie will set your heart racing and belt out some epic Christmas hits!
• Headline Act: Tinchy Stryder – Launching his solo career in 2006, Tinchy is a successful singer and hitmaker, releasing four studio albums and achieving two number one singles to date.

The surface and multi-storey car parks will remain open as usual; however, Walkden Street and the Four Seasons car park will close promptly at 6pm to allow visitors time to leave after the event finishes at 5pm.

Mayor Andy Abrahams said events like the Big Switch On are not possible without the help of partners and sponsors.

He said: “Pulling Christmas together into one neat bow, we like to call the Big Switch On event is no small feat. Our officers work incredibly hard cross-council-wide to bring events like this to fruition, but we could not do this without the help of our partners.

“I want to thank Mansfield BID, Canvas, 103.2, the Four Seasons, and the many service areas of the council whose continuing support helps deliver fantastic free events such as this for our residents. Also, a huge thank you to this year’s main sponsor Matthews and Tannert, who are our local plumbing, heating, and electrical specialists.

“Trent Barton has also kindly sponsored our fantastic 25ft spruce Christmas tree, which I’m sure all our residents will love to see lit up on the big day, marking the official countdown of Christmas!”

A disabled viewing area for wheelchair users will be available at the front-left of the stage this year. On arrival in the Market Place, head towards the Christmas tree, and you will find the entrance to the viewing area to the left of the stage.

No booking is required for the space this year, and it will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis as space is very limited. Bring your Blue Badges to present to the security guard on arrival. Please note a limited number of chairs will be available at the front of this area for those who need them.

Please do not bring your own chairs and tables (other than seating that is appropriate to your needs) so that there is enough space for all who need it to enjoy the show.

There will be no vehicular access or parking within Mansfield town centre on Sunday 26 November, between 8am and 8pm on Leeming Street, Stockwell Gate, Market Street, Church Street, Regent Street, West Gate and Service Area D car park due to road closures for the Big Switch On event. This is so crowds can be managed safely.

If you’re planning ahead and thinking about where to park, car parking can be found at the multi-stories Walkden Street and Four Seasons as well as Clumber Street, Toothill Lane, Toothill Road, Handley Arcade, Civic Centre and many others that are privately owned.

The Christmas spirit continues with the council’s Secret Santa Appeal, which is being delivered this year in collaboration with Mansfield Building Society and Mansfield BID.

Members of the public can donate a range of gifts, including toys, books, board games, colouring books, hats and scarves, chocolates, biscuits, bath sets, male grooming sets, pyjamas and socks. The items must be new and unused for health and safety purposes.

They can be dropped off until Monday 4 December, at the Old Town Hall, Civic Corner café, Mansfield Civic Centre, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Ravensdale Children’s Centre, Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s Centre, Ladybrook Children’s Centre, Warsop Children’s Centre, Mansfield Museum, and Smyths Toys, Portland Retail Park, Mansfield. See the website for the most up-to-date list at www.mansfield.gov.uk/christmas.

The presents will be distributed through Mansfield Children’s Centre Service, schools and Family Action FOOD Clubs to families and people in need in time for Christmas.