Colchester Christmas switch-on pictures from event

The city centre was packed with residents to enjoy all of the seasonal events on offer

Celebrations began with the city’s annual Festive Light Parade, with schoolchildren joined in the procession by larger-than-life puppets and festive characters as they made their way along the High Street with dazzling lanterns.

Naughty and nice - Santa is joined by The Grinch on stage (Image: Steve Brading) Culver Square and Firstsite hosted fairs alongside late-night shopping for many of Colchester’s big-name brands and independent shops.

Music - a performance from Jupiter Ray (Image: Steve Brading) The High Street was also packed with tasty treats, including mulled wine and hot chocolate, alongside regular street food vendors, with Culver Street West, Culver Street East and St Nicholas Square also offering a mix of Christmas giftware, deli items and the legendary Colchester Hot Sausage.

Busy - crowds packed out the city centre to welcome in Christmas (Image: Steve Brading) The centrepiece of the evening took place at the Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

Fun - getting a better view (Image: Steve Brading) Visitors to Lion Walk also had the chance to see Snow White on stage with special guests from Headgate Theatre, plus appearances from the Grinch, Father Christmas and children’s favourite, Bluey.

Stunning - the lights show lit up Colchester's sky (Image: Steve Brading) The cast of Elf The Musical gave a performance of one of their hit songs before Colchester Has Talent winner, Ivy May, took to the stage.

Singer - Colchester Has Talent winner Ivy May (Image: Steve Brading) Other big names on stage included the stars of Frozen – Elsa, Anna and Olaf – plus the stars of The Mercury Theatre’s 2024 pantomime, The Adventures of Peter Pan.

Celebrating - Olympic boxer Lewis Richardson (middle) leads the Lion Walk Christmas lights switch on alongside panto stars, Town Crier Rennie Chivers, Lion Walk centre manager Martin Leatherdale and more (Image: Steve Brading) Eyes then turned to the skies for the mesmerising Aurora Borealis light display kicked off by Colchester’s Olympic boxing star Lewis Richardson.

Martin Leatherdale, centre manager at Lion Walk, said: “Colchester during the build-up to Christmas is always an extra special place.

“Starting the celebrations with such an incredible evening of family fun and entertainment sets the tone for a brilliant festive season.

“The performances on stage this year where fantastic and it shows what amazing entertainment families can enjoy in the city this year."

Smiles - Lesley Scott-Boutell with mayoress and daughter Jessica at the Christmas event (Image: Newsquest)Colchester mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell added: “Tonight, Colchester truly sparkled with festive spirit as we launched the holiday season with the annual Light Up Colchester event.

“Watching the High Street light up with projections, lanterns, and larger-than-life puppets was a heart-warming reminder of the magic and togetherness that defines this special time of year.

"My heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success for our community, especially the organisers, performers, and families who joined us.

“Together, we've created memories that will last a lifetime and brightened the spirit of Colchester."