Mansfield’s Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams has thanked all partners and residents for their support following the roaring success of The Big Switch On at the weekend.
More than 8,200 residents from across the district came down to the Market Place on Sunday 26 November to enjoy a jam-packed day of entertainment, live music, games and Christmas market festivities - hosted by Mansfield District Council and its partners Mansfield BID, Canvas, 103.2 and Four Seasons Shopping Centre.
Endorsed by Mr Bublé himself, Luke Hingley kicked off the stage show with renditions of Christmas classics including It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas and White Christmas, followed by crowd karaoke hits such as Sweet Caroline and Angels with Jono Edwards and Miss Margo.
World Karaoke Champion Ellie Butler then took the reins belting out classic festive hits including All I Want For Christmas Is You and Prince’s classic Purple Rain.
The evening finished with Number One hitmaker Tinchy Stryder belting out his chart-topping singles including Never Leave You and Number One before the lights were officially switched on.
Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “Thank you to every single visitor who took the time to join us on a cold November evening to mark the start of the 2023 Christmas season. We hope it was an event to remember and you have left Mansfield feeling ready for a holly and jolly Christmas.
"I hope whilst you were in town you were able to sample some of the fantastic food and drinks on offer from our local businesses. By coming down to enjoy the lights and support our local traders it all helps boost our local economy.
“I also want to highlight that we cannot pull off Christmas without the help of our fantastic partners and sponsors. Bringing Christmas to Mansfield is a huge team effort, all for the benefit of our residents and visitors, so my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has been involved this year – whether that’s behind the scenes, our own officers, third-party partners and business partners.
“Free events such as this show that when Mansfield District comes together, we can achieve great things and make a night for all to remember.”
Following the launch of the council's Big Switch On, footfall counters showed that on Sunday 26 November a total of 17,546 visitors came into the town centre, with 11,563 of those arriving between 12pm to 4pm.
Residents are encouraged to continue with the festive spirit by donating to the council’s Secret Santa Appeal, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society and Mansfield BID, which closes soon.
The appeal has seen hundreds of gifts already donated by local businesses and residents as the authority aims to reach even more local families in need than ever this festive season.