Written by Kelly Pyart.
Bustling crowds hit Lincoln’s High Street on Thursday, November 21 for some festive fun at the switching on of the Christmas lights.
In order to kick-start the Christmas countdown, there were a variety of characters, games, and entertainment for the thriving mass of people in conjunction with the lights turn-on.
The event started at 6.00pm with BBC Radio Lincolnshire Melvyn Prior acting as host, and inviting Pudsey Bear on stage to delight youngsters with his antics. Following this, the County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and performers from the Drill Hall’s Cinderella production thoroughly warmed the crowd up.
Scott Stevenson, one of the watchers said: “I’ve never been, so I thought I’d come and see what its like. I was surprised at the amount of people that turned up.”
Horace Knight, a PCSO, and Libby Knight, a PC from Lincolnshire Police were patrolling the event, and had this to say:
“We’re here for reassurance, to reassure the community. It’s lovely and festive and we’re here walking around and talking to people.”
They added: “The amount of people here is what we were expecting. There’s been no trouble and it’s a very exciting, pleasurable and nice atmosphere.”
Performing some Christmas carols were the Salvation Army which helped to convey a homely, festive tone to the audience. Santa Claus also made a magical appearance with his two elves to pose in photos and entertain children, adding a special spark to the Christmas atmosphere.
Vicky Dawson, another visitor said: “I’ve come with a friend and we brought kids and they found it very exciting.”
The lights were finally turned on after a civic procession from the Guildhall by ‘Allo ‘Allo‘s Sue Hodge and the winner of the Mayor’s christmas card competition.
Among the crowd were various other attractions and stalls such as rides, balloon sellers, Harvey Rabbit, the Lincoln Imp and a tall man juggling on stilts. All helped to excite and energise the hundreds of people present by engaging with them and taking photos with them.
Ammar Anwar, a student said: “It’s a very homely atmosphere and I’ve never seen an event as big.”