Council announces big Christmas Switch-on

The Big Switch On will take place on Sunday, Noveeber 20, in the town centre, featuring guest celebrities from the Palace Theatre’s Christmas pantomime, Peter Pan, and a day of free entertainment for all the family.

Panto stars including actor Marc Baylis, best known as Coronation Street bad boy Rob Donovan, who is playing Captain Hook in the show, and Holly Atterton, from Nick Jr’s Go!Go!Go!, who is playing Tinker Bell are set to switch on the lights.

The event also marks the opening of Santa’s grotto in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and the start of late night shopping every Thursday from November 24.

The Snowman will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day, while Mansfield Business Improvement District will be running a Tinker Bell themed treasure hunt with prizes to be won.

There will be a stage show, including performances by local groups and a special headline act playing Christmas hits.

On the day, the Four Seasons’ Buzzy B Club for children will be running from 11am to 3pm inside the centre with a Peter Pan finger- puppet making activity.

And finally Santa himself will make an appearance at the stage show to wish all everyne a Merry Christmas. before helping to start afirework display.

Councillor Mick Barton, deputy mayor of Mansfield, said: “This will be a fantastic fun family occasion and a wonderful way to hail the season of goodwill so don’t stay at home.

“Come along and get into the true spirit of Christmas in Mansfield.”

n Panto stars raring to go – See Pages 20-21.