Revellers flocked to Mansfield Town Centre in their thousands on Sunday to watch the spectacular Christmas lights switch on and enjoy a day of free and fun activities.

Mansfield’s countdown to Christmas included a parade from St John Street to the Buttercross, where stars from the Palace Theatre’s pantomime ‘Aladdin’ arrived by horse and carriage and were joined by Paddington Bear™, Santa and other special guests.

The Big Switch On stage show in the Market Place, hosted by Radio Mansfield 103.2, got the crowds into a party mood, as local singer Ashley Rebanks performed a selection of Michael Bublé hits, followed by local Slade tribute act ‘Feel the Noize’, who glam-rocked their way through a series of seasonal hits.

Eight-year-old Lillie-May Holey then performed the honour of switching on the Christmas lights, triggering a dazzling finale of fireworks.

Lillie-May won the switch-on experience thanks to the generosity of Mansfield business Hall Fast Industrial Supplies of Anglia Way, who donated the prize to Fountaindale School in Mansfield, after winning it in a charity auction run by Radio 103.2.

The school takes in pupils aged three to 19, who have complex physical and sensory needs. Brave Lillie-May was born 17 weeks prematurely, weighing just 530g (1lb 2ozs) at delivery and now suffers with a range of medical problems, often ending up in intensive care.

Executive Mayor of Mansfield District Council, Kate Allsop, who joined in the festivities, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying this magical start to Christmas. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this such an inspiring and successful event, including Bill Taylor and the Mansfield Christmas Lights Committee, Mansfield 2020 and our core sponsors: Mansfield 103.2, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield Palace Theatre, 6 Five 2’s taxis, Mansfield and Ashfield Chad and Mansfield BID.

“The Big Switch On marks the beginning of Mansfield’s late night shopping every Thursday in the run-up to Christmas and the start of our special Sunday markets in December. Mansfield Town Centre is looking wonderful at the moment and I would like to invite all Christmas shoppers to come down and take a look, while making the most of our excellent retail facilities.”

The council would also like to give thanks to Razzamataz, First Arts, Mansfield Rock Choir and Expressions Performing Arts for providing entertainment throughout the day.

​If you attended The Big Switch On 2015, the council would like to hear from you to help it improve future events. Fill in the brief evaluation form at www.mansfield.gov.uk/switchon

Your name will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a £30 voucher to spend in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre. Closing date for feedback is Sunday 13 December.