THOUSANDS of families embraced the festive spirit as Colchester's city centre transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland.

The Christmas 2022 Big Festive Switch On event officially took place on Wednesday launching a joyous season of festivities with an evening of entertainment.

@colchester_gazette Christmas has arrived in Colchester! #christmas #colchester #christmaslights #festive #city ♬ It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas - Michael Bublé

The hallmark evening saw dazzling lights flicker into life, illuminating the entire city centre against the backdrop of winter darkness.

The celebrations began with a Festive Light Parade which made its way through the city from the Mercury Theatre along the High Street to the Firstsite gallery.

Gazette:

The event was a collaboration of organisations including the Lion Walk Shopping Centre and Colchester BID.

At the shopping centre, there were live performances from the likes of Cushti, Magic Santa and Frozen's Elsa, Anna and Olaf with the event soundtracked by DJ Darral Wright and Friends.

Yazmin Wood, Sax Miss Lee Loo, and Toby Trumpet also took to the stage and wowed the crowds which had gathered despite the bad weather.

 

The evening also saw the launch of the city centre's new daytime and evening entertainment venue, the ski chalet themed Après Party in the Lion Walk Courtyard before ending with a spectacular fireworks display.

From now until Christmas Day, Father Christmas has also settled into the magical grotto nestled behind the Alpine courtyard scenery.

Gazette:

The shopping centre has also teamed up with Colchester Fringe to deliver the hottest acts around.

Fringe Thursdays will offer the latest in musical, cabaret and comedy talent while on Fridays, there will be Live @ The

Chalet featuring the hottest in bands and music.

Saturday will host the Après Party theme with smooth electronic party music.

All the live events are free to enter and are funded by the shopping centre, co-funded by InColchester and the event operators.