Big switch on gets Mansfield in the festive spirit

Last night, 8,000 people packed into a heaving Market Place to watch a line up of festive entertainment before the Christmas Lights were switched on by the Radford family and Peter Rabbit.

The day of festivities kicked off at 10am, when Santa’s grotto opened in the Four Seasons shopping centre.

Exited youngsters queued up to tell Santa how good they’ve been all year, and what they wanted for Christmas.

The I love Mansfield Christmas Market opened at 10am on West gate, where 20 chalets offered a wide range of food, drinks, gifts and decorations on offer.

The chalets are open until Sunday December 16.

At 2pm, Silverbirds Marching Band wowed the crowd in Market Place with their old style kazoos, glockenspiels and drums.

There was also a Snow White trail around the town for little ones, where youngsters hunted for clues to win a prize.

Children were kept entertained with a party in Market Place, before the stage show began.

The live stage show kicked off with at 3.25pm with a breathtaking performace from Mansfield-born professional opera singer Alexandra Stenson, as well as performances from Gary Barlow tribute act Dan Hadfield and Nottinghamshire based rock andpop duo Brotherhood to get the audience in the festive spirit.

After a stunning lazer show set to Christmas music, it was time for the big switch on.

Mansfield Town’s chief executive Carolyn Radford and chairman John Radford were joined on stage by their children Hugo, 4, and Rupert and Albert, both 3.

Peter Rabbit and the cast of Mansfield Palace theatre’s Snow White pantomine were also on stage, along with Mansfield’s mayor Kate Alsop, and Mansfield 103.2’s Warren the Radio Rabbit.

The crowd counted down as the Radford family did the honour of swithcing the lights on, lighting up the tree in Market Place.

Carolyn Radford said: “I’m so proud to be sponsoring this year’s Christmas in Mansfield event.

“It is vitally important that local businesses all come together for these community events to help make Mansfield the very special place that it is.”

Sue Mitchell, who was at the event with her firend Mary Ann Marie said: “I enjoyed all of it, especiallythe lazer show!”

Emily and Alan Cheeseman was at the event with their daughter, Olivia.

They said: “We liked Brotherhood most.

“The lazer show was good and Olivia liked the ligts switch on.”

Mark and Arabella Lissaman brought their daughters Arya and Lana to the show.

They said the fireworks were their favorite part, as well as the festive music.

And Emily and Adie Smith, along with daughter Lilith, also enjoyed Brotherhood and the lazers.

If you missed out on the switch on, don’t worry you missed the Christmas fun, as the One Call Ice rink opens on Market Place on November 30, and will run until December 31.