More than 8,200 residents are estimated to have attended Sunday’s Christmas lights switch-on event in Mansfield  with thousands more also in the town centre during the day.

Entertainment, live music, games, and Christmas market festivities were hosted by Mansfield District Council and its partners Mansfield BID, Canvas, 103.2 and Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

Mansfield’s mayor Andy Abrahams thanked everyone for their support.

Luke Hingley kicked off the stage show with renditions of Christmas classics including It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas and White Christmas, followed by crowd karaoke hits such as Sweet Caroline and Angels with Jono Edwards and Miss Margo.

World karaoke champion Ellie Butler then took the reins, belting out classic festive hits including All I Want For Christmas Is You and Prince’s classic Purple Rain.

The evening finished with number one hitmaker Tinchy Stryder showcasing his chart-topping singles, including Never Leave You and Number One, before the lights were officially switched on.

The mayor said: “Thank you to every single visitor who took the time to join us on a cold November evening to mark the start of the 2023 Christmas season. We hope it was an event to remember and you have left Mansfield feeling ready for a holly and jolly Christmas.

“I hope whilst you were in town you were able to sample some of the fantastic food and drinks on offer from our local businesses. By coming down to enjoy the lights and support our local traders it all helps boost our local economy.

“I also want to highlight that we cannot pull off Christmas without the help of our fantastic partners and sponsors. Bringing Christmas to Mansfield is a huge team effort, all for the benefit of our residents and visitors, so my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has been involved this year – whether that’s behind the scenes, our own officers, third-party partners and business partners.

“Free events such as this show that when Mansfield District comes together, we can achieve great things and make a night for all to remember.”

Following the launch of the council’s Big Switch On, footfall counters showed that on Sunday a total of 17,546 visitors came into the town centre, with 11,563 of those arriving between 12noon to 4pm.

Residents are encouraged to continue with the festive spirit by donating to the council’s Secret Santa Appeal, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society and Mansfield BID, which closes soon.

The appeal has seen hundreds of gifts already donated by local businesses and residents as the authority aims to reach even more local families in need than ever this festive season.

You can find out where your closest drop off point is at www.mansfield.gov.uk/christmas.