Christmas comes early to Shrewsbury as crowds flock to big lights switch-on - with pictures and video
The festive season officially got under way in Shrewsbury with the switch-on of the town's spectacular lights display.
Christmas cheer filled the air as a whole host of family entertainment and activities led up to the big switch-on in the Square.
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Thousands of people enjoyed the annual event which was organised by Shrewsbury Town Council in partnership with Shrewsbury Shopping Centres, and sponsored by the town's Business Improvement District (BID).
The lights were switched on by Victoria McCabe and Eric Smith, who are performing in the Theatre Severn Christmas pantomime, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, along with the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Jane Mackenzie.
Miss McCabe, who will be playing Snow White said she had been thrilled to join the official switch-on.
She said: "It is really nice. There is a real community feel and that is such a nice thing about Shrewsbury. A lot of places don't do things like this any more."
Councillor Mackenzie said it had been great to see so many people out enjoying the evening.
She said: "The lights look absolutely beautiful, it really feels like Christmas now.
"What is great is it is a real community event. Families can come along and it does not cost anything, everyone can join in. This is a community town and this really reflects that. On days like this it feels fantastic to be mayor!"
In addition to the grand finale, a lantern parade set off from the Darwin Shopping Centre and headed towards the Square in time for the official countdown to the switch-on.
Earlier this month, children from across Shrewsbury attended a one-day lantern making workshop ahead of the big day at Darwin Shopping Centre.
Following the parade a number of the youngsters were invited up on stage ahead of the big countdown to show off their work.
Families attending the evening were also able to enjoy entertainment throughout the town, along with the chance to visit Santa in his sleigh, courtesy of Rotary Club of Shrewsbury Severn.
The event also marked the start of late-night shopping and free parking on Wednesday nights.
