After the announcement of this year's Darlington Christmas lights switch on at Market Square we look back at the photographs from past celebrations.

Last year, 2023, we saw TFM Radio breakfast presenters Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley entertain the crowds.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2023. (Image: Stuart Boulton) In 2022, lots of fairytale princesses including Snow White and Elsa delighted the youngsters.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022. (Image: Chris Booth) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022. (Image: Chris Booth) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022. (Image: Chris Booth) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2022. (Image: Chris Booth) 2021 saw the first unrestricted switch on after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2021.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2021. 2020 was quite an unusual year which saw Darlington’s Christmas lights switched on virtually.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on virtual event in 2020.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on virtual event in 2020. The Darlington Christmas lights switch on virtual event in 2020.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on virtual event in 2020. In 2019, Shirley Ballas and her partner Daniel Taylor turned on the Christmas lights in a star studded event.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019. (Image: Stuart Boulton) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2019. (Image: Stuart Boulton) In 2018, thousands of people gathered to enjoy an evening of entertainment including a lively performance from Hartlepool duo, LIV’n’G, aka sisters Olivia Crawford and Georgia Fletcher.

The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2018.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2018. (Image: Chris Booth) The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2018.The Darlington Christmas lights switch on event in the town's Market Place 2018. (Image: Chris Booth)

The festivities this year will start on Sunday, November 17 at four pm with live music and guest appearances on the main stage.

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Then at 5:30pm Santa, supported by the Round Table, will officially turn on the lights. The event will then conclude with a short, celebratory fireworks display.

The lights switch-on marks the start of a series of festive events throughout Darlington’s town centre.

These include a Christmas tree trail, with local schools and community groups decorating trees displayed in shop windows, and the return of the ice sculpture trail on Saturday, December 7, which will feature free competitions and photo opportunities.