Communitities enjoy sparkling start to Christmas

The festive fun kicked off in Skegness on Friday night outside the Hildreds Shopping Centre.

This year's cast of the panto at the Embassy Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk, entertained spectators eagerly awaiting the countdown.

There was a snow machine and crowds were able to escape one of the coldest evenings of the winter so far in the hops at the Hildreds Centre and surrounding area which stayed open late.

Steve Andrews, manager of the Hildreds, said: "It was a great night with a bumper crowd coming out to see the start of Christmas in Skegness."

Before families went home they were treated to a fireworks display by Busters.

On Saturday, Lumley Road in Skegness stayed closed for the annual Christmas Market.

Other towns holding Christmas light switch-ons and markets included Spilsby and Wainfleet.

In Spilsby there was entertainment with local singers, a puppet show and Skegness Silver Band and the lights were switched on by the Mayor of Spilsby, Councillor Terry Taylor.

Highlights were a town crier and Santa making an appearance on his sleigh.

There was also be street food and stalls, plus a full carousel ride will be in the Buttercross Car Park.

Families crowded into Wainleet All Saints Market Place to watch the Christmas tree lights swith-on on Saturday.

The event was hosted by the Town Council and started with the arrival of Santa Clause.

A bus shelter was trasformed into a grotto and 100 children received a gift from Santa.

There were some stalls and the Woolpac provided burgers and mulled wine.

The crowd was enetertained by local singer Steve Lowndes, Wainfleet Theatre Club and Skegness Ladies Choir.

Coun Wendy Bowkett said: “There was a lovely atmosphere and it was a really fun time.”

* See Wednesday's Skegness Standard for full details and more pictures.