HUNDREDS of people turned out to Mold town centre on Tuesday (November 26) to see the Christmas lights being switched on for the first time.

Following an afternoon of entertainment, the festive lights were officially switched on in the Daniel Owen Square at 6.30pm by Father Christmas and the Mayor of Mold, Councillor Tim Maunders.

Speaking to the Leader at the Christmas lights switch-on, a jolly Mayor Maunders – who has promised to keep his Santa hat on until Christmas Day – said: “It’s been good fun preparing everything for this wonderful evening.

“It’s one of those nights where everything is made really special thanks to the magic of Christmas that came when we switched on the lights.

“I’ve been doing this since 1999, and it’s always special for me whether I’m the Mayor or not, as I hope it is just as special for everyone who attends.

“It was a very family-based evening and that’s what it’s all about really. The magic of Christmas is for all of the family.

“Lots of local businesses turned out to enjoy themselves and to help get themselves out there, while my chosen charity Mountain Rescue were also out to help me switch the lights on too.

“I’ve put on my Christmas hat for the first time today, and I’ll be wearing it every day until December 25 now. You can hold me to that.”

A number of schoolchildren sang in front of large crowds on Earl Road from 3.30pm before performances from Mold Town Band and Urban Fusion.

The popular Princess Elsa, from Disney’s hit film Frozen, also made an appearance at the Christmas Lights switch-on much to the delight of youngsters, while Soul Cirque also performed a mesmerizing LED hula hoop act.

A variety of local stalls, including Lovelies Delights and Rosie’s Cider, were also present at the festive event selling a range of foods and drinks.

Santa’s Christmas Float will come to Mold on Saturday, November 30, where it will visit various locations around the town for 19 consecutive days, with all the money raised going to the Mayor’s chosen Mountain Rescue charity.

Santa himself will next be making an appearance on Daniel Owen Square at 11am on Sunday, December 1 – the same day as the Mold Christmas Market.