Auction to find lucky child for Mansfield's Christmas lights switch-on

The prize is part of a VIP package that is to be auctioned off by radio station Mansfield 103.2 for the Big Switch-On event that takes place on Sunday November 20.

The package will include front-of-stage viewing for the child and up to four members of their family, as well as a prize pack of Christmas goodies. The winning child will then be invited on stage, alongside all the stars of the show, to press the button that will switch on the festive lights and launch a fantastic firework display.

The highest bid received between Monday, November 14 and Thursday, November 17 by Mansfield 103.2 for the package will win, with all the money being donated to the Christmas toy appeal at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton. Last year’s winner was eight-year-old Lillie-May Holey, of Forest Town, who enjoyed a magical time at the switch-on with her family.

Listeners to the radio station have also been able to enter another competition this week to win a private taxi-ride to the event, plus front-of-stage passes to watch the show, all courtesy of 6five2s taxis, who will collect five families from their homes and drive them, free of charge, to the switch-on.

The 2016 event, organised by Mansfield District Council, will be full of family fun and festive music from 11 am. The Market Place will host a circus skills workshop, Christmas face-painting, a children’s party, Pleasley Colliery Welfare brass band and the jazz and swing sound of The Red Hot Band. At 3 pm, a school concert will begin with performances from Razzamataz and Funky Studios.

The Four Seasons Shopping Centre will host a finger puppet workshop from 11 am, and families can welcome Santa and his festive friends at the Buttercross area at the side of Mansfield Library every hour from 11 am to 2 pm inclusive.

The main show itself begins at 3.30 pm on Market Place and will include musical entertainment, appearances from stars of the Palace Theatre’s pantomime, ‘Peter Pan’, and a special singalong with The Snowman.

Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Coun Kate Allsop, said: “The event will be great fun for everyone thanks to such a big range of festive activities. Make sure you take all your friends and family along.

“The VIP package will be a particularly memorable experience for one lucky child, and is an opportunity to raise money for the King’s Mill toy appeal, which really helps to bring some cheer to children who are in hospital at this time of year.”