Christmas Spirit Shines Bright As Town’s Lights Get Switched On

The streets of Mansfield Town centre are shining bright after eight year old Jaiden Boucher pushed the big red button, alongside the cast of “peter pan” last night on the main stage at the Christmas Light Switch On yesterday (Sunday 20th November).

Acts including established Adele tribute Katie Markham, covers band The Soul Theaves and Funky Studios entertained the crowd before the big switch on.

Mansfield Executive Mayor Kate Allsop said “It was a huge crowd, I think it gets bigger ever year. People have come out they’ve braved the weather, it’s very cold but it’s dry and everyone’s well wrapped up and those faces were very happy. We do put on a good event and we do enjoy or the pageantry of bringing everyone together to start of the Christmas festivities with a real bang”.

“I can tell you the planning will start for next year in two weeks’ time, it takes that long to put an event like this together and the lights this year are something on a much higher level. You don’t drive through Mansfield to get anywhere so we have to make sure Mansfield is a destination so people can come too – we’ve got to really fight to get them”

Speaking after stepping off stage after opening the show, Michael Jones from The Soul Theaves said “it was fantastic, when we first went out (to sound check), there was about 50 people so we’re thinking it’s going to be a nice afternoon with a few Christmas songs and then by the time we come out from (backstage) rehearsal there’s about a thousand people – it’s been a really overwhelming and humbling experience. A real privilege for us”

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