Hundreds turned out to celebrate the countdown to Christmas in Stapleford.
The town hosted nine hours of festivities in Derby Road as part of the first 'Start Your Christmas in Stapleford' event on Saturday.
Revellers enjoyed browsing a festive market, singing Christmas carols and soaked up live music before a grand finale of the town's Christmas tree lights being turned on in Walter Parker VC Memorial Square.
As part of the switch-on, Santa arrived on a vintage Barton's bus, accompanied by Stapleford's champion boxer Adam Hands and other guests.
Mr Hands, the EBF Midlands Area light-middleweight title-holder, had the honour of switching on the lights alongside Broxtowe Mayor Iris White and Stapleford Mayor David Grindell.
Fireworks then lit up the night's sky while the sound of Christmas carols being sung echoed around Derby Road.
The event was organised by Stapleford Town Council, Broxtowe Borough Council and the Stapleford Town Centre Management Board, which was set up earlier this year to promote Stapleford and attract new business and visitors to the town.
Paul Sweeney, director at Robert Ellis estate agents in Derby Road, is a member of the board.
He said: "It's the first time we've had a day-long Christmas event like this and I'm pleased with how it's gone.
"We've had things going on in different parts of the town. I think it's really brought the community together.
"It shows hopefully that the local businesses are here to support local community and vice-versa. We want to build on this success."
Stapleford Mayor Mr Grindell said: "It's the biggest Christmas event we've had in Stapleford in recent years.
"I'm very encouraged to have seen so many people take part in the festivities. Hopefully next year it will be expanded."
Stapleford resident Sarah Fowkes, 47, said: "It's been a lovely beginning to the Christmas celebrations and sharing it with the community."
Among those who sang Christmas carols were children who attend George Spencer Academy.
Pupil Danny Modrovits, 14, of Toton, played the clarinet and also sung during the performance.
He said: "We've been practicing and had a lot of rehearsals at lunchtime. I thought it went really well.
"Singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' made me feel quite festive."
Theresa Stokes, 53, of Sandiacre was in the crowd with her two-year-old granddaughter Lilly Johnson.
She said: "I've come here to support Stapleford. We bought a few things from the market stalls and enjoyed the celebrations.
"An event like this hasn't always been on in Stapleford. It's nice to see."
How is your community planning to celebrate Christmas? Let us know by e-mailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
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