Video and picture gallery: Rasen market and switch on

Town Mayor John Matthews was delighted with the turn out and to have raised £800 for his charities - the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association).

Other local charities and good causes also had the chance to raise funds with their stalls.

The evening was packed with entertainment too, all adding to the festive spirit in the crowded market place.

However, as the evening went on, the wind strengthened, meaning the event came to a close a little bit earlier than planned.

“I was hoping for a bumper result but I’m afraid the increasing strength of the wind made people go home earlier than they may have wished to,” said Coun Matthews.

“I would like to thank, the Council team, the Round Table, the Town Band, the three local Primary schools, the New Life Church, the Civic Dignitaries who came to support us and the countless volunteers who helped make the evening the success it was, as well as the public who turned out.

“There was just one comment from a Market Place shop owner, who complained about the premises not being visible from the market place due to the stall backs.

“We do have to remember the venue is actually a ‘Market Place’ where people erect market stalls, and this occasion is only one day a year.

“In the past this trader has been active to encourage the prosperous nature of the Market place.

“The Mayor or Council is not out to destroy local businesses nor harm them in any way. We actually moved the stalls about 2metres away from the curb to fully allow pedestrian traffic to the shops.

“Despite our criticisms, we have raised over £800 tonight and I thank the traders and the people of Market Rasen for their support.

“Merry Christmas to one and all.”