‘Fantastic atmosphere!’ Can you spot yourself at Colchester Christmas lights switch on?

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. The Evolution College Choir. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Culver Square had a host of entertainment from 11am, on Sunday, December 1, before the big switch-on at 5pm.

Attractions included including Santa magically appearing on stage by the town hall and a wickedly spectacular performance from the Mercury Theatre's panto stars.

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Dancers from The Company perform. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Shoppers were wowed by a range of festive performances throughout the day from dance troupes, street acts and musical treats across the High Street, Culver Square and Eld Lane.

Visitors were also treated to a special skit by the Ugly Sisters from The Mercury Theatre's Cinderella Panto, ahead of Santa's grand 'starry' reveal in front of the Town Hall.

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. The Evolution College Choir perform. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Sam Good, manager of In Colchester business improvement district - set up to promote the town - said: "There was such a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town all day, culminating in the excitement of Colchester's Christmas lights being switched on and Santa's special showcase and arrival.

"All the hard work was well worth it to see so much festive cheer on the streets of Colchester."

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Stageocoach Colchester performs. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. The Secret Santa on the balcony. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Stageocoach Colchester performing, Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Yazmin Wood performing. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Santa arrives on stage. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. One of the Mercury Theatre's Ugly Stepsisters. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)

Colchester's 2019 Christmas lights switch on. Ian Wyatt and Sonia Watson from BBC Essex watch Bryn Reynolds start the festivities. Picture: STEVE BRADING (Image: STEVE BRADING PHOTOGRAPHY)