This year’s Christmas celebrations in Mansfield will begin on Sunday, 26th November, marking the return of the Big Switch On event.

Attracting thousands of spectators yearly, the Mansfield District Council event will again feature a variety of music acts, children’s entertainment, food stalls, roaming musical bands, and Santa himself in Mansfield Market Place ahead of the turning on of the town’s festive lights.

The day will also be home to Mansfield BID’s Jingle Mingle event, which will be hosted on West Gate with a variety of rides, Christmas market stalls, face painting, music from the Moonshiners, and festive craft activities. This will begin at 12noon.

There will also be festive activities in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, alongside meet and greets with Santa in his grotto.

A free stage show in the Market Place will be hosted by Mansfield 103.2’s Ian Watkins and John B Tannen, from 3pm, alongside special guests, including Miss Margo and Jono Edwards, festive singing and crowd karaoke.

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams said: “The Christmas lights switch-on event in Mansfield is always a fantastic, free, community event with something for everyone, whatever age, to help get you into the Christmas spirit.

“Why not come along and enjoy the entertainment, competitions, and fantastic food choices throughout the day? It will also boost all our local shops and traders before we countdown to the big day.”

The headline music act will be announced soon.

The event takes place alongside Mansfield Palace Theatre’s pantomime, which this year is Beauty And The Beast.

Jay Rowlinson, chief executive of Mansfield BID, added: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the council and local businesses to bring another show-stopping event to Mansfield town centre.

“We will be building on the success of last year with our Jingle Mingle area on West Gate this year, helping to bring even more footfall into the town centre at a time when shopping local is more important than ever.”

As well as the Moonshiners on West Gate performing live music, comedy string quartet Graffiti Classics will also be at the event, performing in different locations throughout the day.

The Big Switch On event is organised and funded by Mansfield District Council with support from Mansfield BID, Mansfield 103.2, Canvas, and Four Seasons Shopping Centre. Sponsorship is also sought from the business community.

Businessman Jono Edwards said: “Both Miss Margo and I are thrilled to be asked back again this year for the Christmas Lights Switch On event as the atmosphere and attendance last year was amazing. We’re looking forward to getting the masses warmed up with more ‘crowd karaoke’ before the headlining live act.”

Any business that would like to contribute towards the Christmas celebrations in Mansfield, through a range of sponsorship packages, from £150 to £3,000, should contact 01623 463376 or email [email protected]

PHOTO: Chris Holloway