November 19, 2015 8.51 pm This story is over 99 months old

Lincoln Christmas lights switch on marks the start of the festive season

Lincoln illuminated: Thousands of people turned out in Lincoln on the evening of November 19 to watch as the city’s Christmas lights were illuminated.

Thousands of people turned out in Lincoln on the evening of November 19 to watch as the city’s Christmas lights were illuminated.

Magical pantomime characters, a Gary Barlow look-a-like and special guests helped see in the official start to the city’s festive Christmas celebrations with lights switched on at St Marks shopping centre and Lincoln High Street.

The event also marked the start of late night shopping every Thursday until Christmas.

At the Lincoln High Street war memorial Allo Allo star, and the wicked fairy in this year’s Lincoln Theatre Royal pantomime Sleeping Beauty, Vicki Michelle joined the Mayor of Lincoln Andrew Kerry and his Christmas card competition winners in pushing the big button.

At St Marks, “Gary Barlow” switched on the lights with the cast of Lincoln Drill’s Hall’s Snow White.

Crowds were also pleased to see local man Barry Hall, 73, who has given his mobility scooter a Coca-Cola truck makeover to raise funds for a cancer charity.

He’s raised more than £1,300 by riding his scooter to events all over the city and collecting donations.

Barry Hall and his truck made an appearance at the switch on event. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Barry Hall and his truck made an appearance at the switch on event. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite