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Bringing Christmas to Mansfield

Posted onPosted on 20th Nov

Around 8,000 people attended the annual Big Switch On event in Mansfield Market Place to launch Christmas in the town.

Many more people visited the town centre throughout the day to enjoy festive family entertainment.

At the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Santa officially opened his Snow White-themed grotto, families took part in B Club craft activities, Peter Rabbit made special appearances to meet children, and the cast of Mansfield Palace Theatre’s pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, signed autographs for fans.

Throughout the day, crowds flocked to the I Love Christmas In Mansfield Market on West Gate, which will remain open every day until 16th December.

In the Market Place, the Silverbirds Marching Band performed and stilt-walking elves made festive balloon models.

The Big Switch On stage show was opened by the Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, and started in traditional festive style with opera singer Alexandra Stenson performing Hark The Herald Angels Sing alongside 40 pupils from All Saints’ Catholic Academy, Mansfield.

Gary Barlow tribute act, Dan Hadfield, performed a number of well-known hits and Peter Rabbit invited two children to join him on stage for fun and games.

The pantomime stars made another appearance and gave away family tickets to two children, who joined Adam Moss in a performance of Baby Shark.

Rock/pop duo Brotherhood got the crowd jumping with their energetic act, which was followed by a laser show.

Santa then appeared to join Mansfield Town Football Club bosses, John and Carolyn Radford, and their children Hugo, Rupert and Albert – because John’s One Call Insurance company sponsored that part of the show – to press a plunger and set off a firework display as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on.

Kate Allsop said: “The event was a great success again this year and we want to thank everyone who took part and helped to make it happen.

“It was great to see so many families out enjoying the festivities and I hope you will continue to enjoy Christmas in Mansfield as we welcome the ice rink on 30 November.”

The event was organised by Mansfield District Council, the Four Season’s Shopping Centre and Mansfield 103.2.

This year, the local business community have shown great support with One Call Insurance, Inplace Personnel, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield Building Society, Ambitions Personnel and REAL Education all sponsoring Christmas in Mansfield.

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 again sponsored the Christmas tree in the Market Place.

The Mansfield One Call Ice Rink will be open from Friday, 30th November to Monday, 31st December. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.mansfieldicerink.co.uk

The Big Switch On event marked the start of late-night shopping in Mansfield every Thursday in the town centre. Santa’s grotto in Four Seasons is also open every day until Christmas Eve.