More than 10,000 people enjoyed a day full of entertainment, live music, games, and Christmas market festivities at The Big Switch On event in Mansfield town centre.

Hosted by Mansfield District Council, the fun culminated with the switch on of the town’s Christmas lights and a fireworks display. Headlining the stage show was 90s boyband East 17, who sung some of their greatest hits, including Christmas number one Stay Another Day.

Alternative pop musician Ollie Hayes had launched the stage show with a rendition of Christmas classics, which was followed by games with youngsters in the crowd, featuring popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog.

Businessman Jono Edwards and Miss Margo then led the crowd with 90s karaoke classic hits and dancing, before Suki Soul performed classic dance anthems.

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams thanked the council’s partners and residents for their support.

“Thank you to our sponsors and supporters — Mansfield BID for the Christmas market, Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 as our stage sponsors, Ron Brooks for the Christmas tree, and Mansfield 103.2 radio, to name a few,” he said.

“Without you we wouldn’t have been able to put on such a fantastic day.

“Also thanks to all our residents. We have not had a switch-on event for over two years following covid, so we knew we needed to go big and make it one to remember. I hope we did just that!

“Thank you for coming into the town and celebrating the Christmas season with us. I hope you left feeling full of festive spirit.

“I also hope while you were in town you visited out fantastic Christmas Market, which runs until Wednesday, 21st December.

“By coming down to enjoy the lights and supporting our local traders, it all helps to boost our local economy.

“Christmas is such a special time of year, but it can be costly. We wanted to throw another free event this year to allow residents to make memories that will stand the test of time, and bring all our communities together.

“Events such as this show that when Mansfield district comes together, we can achieve great things and make a day for all to remember.”

A total of 28,537 visitors passed through the town centre on the day, an increase of more than 15,000, or 111 percent, compared with the same Sunday in 2021.

PHOTOS: Courtesy Chris & Jeanette Holloway The Bigger Picture.media