Mansfield’s Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams has thanked all partners and residents for their support following the roaring success of The Big Switch On on Sunday.
More than 10,000 residents across the district came down to the Market Place to enjoy a jam-packed day of entertainment, live music, games and Christmas market festivities – hosted by Mansfield District Council.
Alternative pop musician Ollie Hayes kicked off the stage show with a rendition of Christmas classics followed by games with youngsters in the crowd with the popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog.
Local businessman Jono Edwards and Miss Margo followed afterwards, leading the crowd with 90’s karaoke classic hits and dancing. Suki Soul then took the reins belting out classic dance anthems.
The evening finished with 90’s boy band East 17 singing some of their greatest hits, including their Christmas number one Stay Another Day.
Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I want to first start by saying thank you to our sponsors and supporters. Mansfield BID for the Christmas market, Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 as our stage sponsors, Ron Brooks for the Christmas tree and Mansfield 103.2 radio, to name a few. Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to put on such a fantastic evening of entertainment and fun, so my heartfelt thanks go to them.
“Also, to all our residents. We have not had a switch on event for over two years following COVID, so we knew we needed to go big and make it one to remember. I hope we did just that! Thank you for coming into the town and celebrating the Christmas season with us. I hope you left feeling full of festive spirit!
“I hope whilst you were in town you visited out fantastic Christmas Market that runs until Wednesday 21 December. By coming down to enjoy the lights and support our local traders it all helps boost our local economy.
“Christmas is such a special time of the year for many reasons and it can be costly. We wanted to throw another free event this year to allow residents to make memories that will stand the test of time, and bring all our communities together.
“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 Mansfield BID Christmas Market and the council’s Big Switch On, footfall counters showed that on Sunday 27 November 28,537 visitors passed through the town centre. This is an increase of over 15,000, or 111 percent, compared to the same Sunday in 2021.
Residents are encouraged to continue with the festive spirit by donating to the council’s Secret Santa Appeal, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society, 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.
