Christmas came to Darlington this evening (Sunday, November 20) as thousands gathered in the Market Square to watch the town's festive lights switch-on.
TFM radio breakfast presenters Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley compered the event as performers took to the stage to keep the crowd entertained in the hour’s build up to the light show.
Classic Christmas hits boomed out across the square as the crowds enjoyed fun and games and a spectacular fire dancing show performed by elves.
Youngsters were delighted with the arrival of fairytale princesses including Snow White and Elsa from Frozen, while Gospel singers and Grinch also took the stage ahead of an address by Darlington Borough Council leader Jonathan Dulston who said: “I am absolutely bursting with pride to be here representing Darlington.
“And when I look out and see so many people it just is amazing to see – this is what Darlington does best, the people make Darlington.”
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Mr Dulston promised that there would be an even bigger package of events to look forward to in the town next year, adding: “We’ve had a really good year in Darlington and I’m really proud, we’ve had a fantastic Pride event, we continue to have fantastic events all year round and we brought back the South Park fireworks after 11-years.”
The Christmas merriment continued with the arrival of Santa Claus himself who arrived by sleigh that was driven down the centre of the Market Square, enabling the crowds of young revellers to get a glimpse of him.
Santa was accompanied by his fire dancing elves swinging balls of fire in the air.
Theatre and panto legend Christopher Biggins – who is the star of this year’s Darlington Hippodrome pantomime Peter Pan – joined Santa on the stage for the all-important lights switch on.
An impressive fireworks display accompanied the illumination of Darlington’s Christmas lights for this festive season.
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