Furious residents have branded the Middlesbrough Christmas light switch-on as an 'embarrassment for the town' as the council argues they received 'lots of positive feedback'.

Thousands of people fled to Centre Square last night, November 28 to see the annual town Christmas lights switch on. 

However, hundreds were left disappointed as the event was lacklustre compared to previous years. 

In a Facebook post by Andy McDonald, the Labour MP of Middlesbrough there has been a reaction of outrage in the comments.

The post now has over 280 comments, the majority of which are negative towards the event. 

Comments included: "Middlesbrough council should be ashamed! What an absolute shambles. Barely any lights, fairground rides charging £7 a person. £5 hook a duck. No food stalls. £3 for a tiny hot chocolate. No atmosphere. Disgraceful!"

Another said: "It was a disgrace there was no atmosphere whatsoever. The lights were just switched on without anyone knowing.

There were also comments on other Facebook posts saying: "Rides were £7 when were in a cost of living crisis. Nothing at all for kids and on a Thursday when kids are shattered. I've been going every year and the worst one I've ever been to!"

Others mocking the event said: "And the crowd goes mild." and another... "I've seen a better display when next door's security light goes on."

Another said: "So very sad our children and grandchildren will never get to see what we did when we were kids. This is such a terrible effort"

A mother said: "Shocking!! My daughter took my grandson, said everything was expensive & the lights were a total disappointment."

A father said: "Me and my son went and omg it was nothing compared to previous years. There was no atmosphere at all and it was so early.

"No Christmas music, no fireworks. After they played Christmas songs the stage was cleared. Other towns will put us to shame. Not good at all, this town has gone downhill."

Another commenter said: "Seriously where are the lights at? If this is Middlesbrough's Christmas light switch on then Middlesbrough Council want to hang their heads in shame.

"The poor kids who have stood there freezing to see no difference."

Another said: "What an embarrassment for our town!"

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However, it wasn't all negative with some commenting that they really enjoyed the free event. 

One commenter said: "We had a lot of fun, the bands were so lovely and my boys loved running around.

"Just nice to get out of the house and do something fun for free! Makes me want to put up the decorations now ."

This comes after Jeff Stelling cancelled his appearance for the lights switch on the day of the event due to illness. 

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "We've received lots of positive feedback from among the thousands who enjoyed the free community Christmas lights switch-on in Middlesbrough."