Children’s favourite Peter Rabbit™ will be joining the festivities at the Big Switch On of Mansfield’s Christmas lights on Sunday, 18th November.

The mischievous bunny will be making personal appearances at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre at intervals throughout the afternoon and will be at the live stage show in the Market Place.

The event, which will run from 10am to 5pm, attracts thousands to the town centre and culminates in a Christmas lights countdown and switch-on followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

The live show will star Mansfield opera star Alexandra Stenson, Gary Barlow tribute act Dan Hadfield, and Nottingham duo Brotherhood, performing a collection of covers and Christmas classics.

In addition, the show will feature appearances from the cast of Mansfield Palace Theatre’s panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Santa himself, as well as a spectacular laser show.

There are still places available in a raised platform set aside for disabled members of the audience. To reserve a place please call 01623 463026. They are limited and allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cllr Dave Saunders, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “There will be something to please everyone at the Big Switch On and Peter Rabbit is sure to be a big hit with our younger citizens. Mark the date in your diary and come and join in the fun.”

The event marks the start of Christmas in Mansfield, which includes, for the first time ever in the town, an ice rink, funded by Mansfield District Council and sponsored by One Call.

There will also be a month-long Christmas Market on West Gate, organised by Mansfield BID with financial support from the council. The Switch On event is organised and funded by the council with support from Mansfield 103.2 and Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

A spokesman for the council said: “Christmas in Mansfield has received tremendous backing from our business community.

“We would like to say a big thank you to our main sponsor: One Call and for the continued support of Mansfield and Ashfield 2020.

“Thank-yous also go to Inplace Personnel, Mansfield Building Society, Linney, REAL Education, Hopkins Solicitors, Ambitions Personnel, Vertu Honda and McDonalds, i-Jump and Acorn Signs, who are helping to bring Christmas to Mansfield this year.”