Did you go to the big switch-on?

THOUSANDS of people turned out to watch the Loughborough Christmas lights switch on.

Crowds gathered in the town centre on Sunday (November 26) to watch as Capital FM breakfast presenters Dino, Pete and Tyles switched on the lights and kickstarted the festive season.

Festive food and arts and craft market stalls were dotted across the centre, including a number of charity stalls that were set up towards Ward’s End.

The cast of Robin Hood, who are appearing at Loughborough Town Hall, pushed the button to officially switch on the lights.

There were also street markets, and a Santa’s Grotto in Carillon Court.

Festivities were organised by Charnwood Borough Council, in partnership with Love Loughborough.

Live entertainment throughout the day included Loughborough’s Endowed Schools BIG band, St Botolph’s School Choir, Loughborough Student Union Sing, local stars Alyshia Dhaak and Jonezy - who is best known for his appearance in the Charnwood Borough Council ‘Don’t Muck Around’ campaign - and stars from the Robin Hood pan- tomime cast.

Mayor of Charnwood, Coun Pauline Ranson and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan were among the number of dignitaries watching as the lights were switched on.

Lez Cope-Newman, chairman of Love Loughborough, said: “I think the Christmas lights are excellent this year, it really brings the festive spirit and gets the whole town centre looking Christmassy!

“I think that it has been another fantastic lights switch on, it has been great to be a part of it and it has been brilliant having Capital on board for the first time, and I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has been part of the day and made it such a success!”

Pictured are crowds at the Loughborough Christmas lights switch on in Loughborough town centre.

Crowds at the Loughborough Christmas lights switch on.

Pictured with Nathan Cartlidge, 7 (front), from left to right are: Keeley Tyers, 20, Sally Cartlidge, 40, Denise Stewart, 56, Dean Cartlidge, 35, and Caelum Cartlidge, 10.

Pictured from left to right are: Maureen Bonazen, 63, Debbie Bonazen, 42, Oliver Davis, 2 (in the pram), Charlie Davis, 11, and Paul Davis, 38.

Pictured from left to right are: Des Barker, 66, Charlie Ward, 10, Anne Barker, 64, Ella Ward, 8, Jo Ward, 38, and Chris Ward, 38.

Pictured from left to right are: Jacob Smith, 7, Stevie Smith, 30, Elsie Smith, 6, and Casey Smith, 11.

Pictured from left to right are: Nevaeh Fisher, 3, Darren Dooley, 37, Maria Dube, 4, Marta Dube, 35, and Julia Dube, 8.

Hannah May Berry, 28, and Adam Pochin, 27.