PICTURE GALLERY: Boston Christmas lights switch on 2016

Crowds gathered in Boston last night for the switch on of the town's Christmas lights.
Youngsters enjoying the illuminate parade.Youngsters enjoying the illuminate parade.
Youngsters enjoying the illuminate parade.

The event in Boston Town Centre included the Illuminate parades of lanterns in the shapes of various birds as part of the second annual Mayflower 400-inspired Illuminate parade, organised by Transported Arts.

The lights were switched on by Alison Fairman who was recently given the Freedom of the Borough for her tireless work volunteering in the town over the past

Different groups, including Wrangle School, Boston West Academy, Wyberton School, St Thomas’ School, St Giles Academy, Boston Explorers and Fishtoft Parish Council had worked with artists to create their own bird lanterns to carry in the parade.

Coun Paul Skinner, Boston Borough Council’s portfolio holder for the town centre, described the event as ‘great’ adding: “Despite these austere times and strict constraints on budgets, it was another spectacular Christmas event in the town centre.

“Everyone enjoyed it, especially the children. It was totally innocent fun, and a real pleasure to witness.

“They were so loud, and obviously enjoying every minute of it. It shows what can happen when Boston puts its mind to it – we know how to party.”

In Pescod Square there was also entertainment including the Oldrids Snowglobe as well as characters from Disney’s Frozen and a performance by the Babes of this year’s Blackfriars Theatre pantomime - Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

The lights in the precinct were switched on by members of the public chosen through a social media competition.

LincsFM hosted the Market Place event while Endeavour FM hosted Pescod Square’s event.

Photographer Nick Johnson went along to both events and the photos above show people getting into the spirit of the season.

For more videos which were broadcast from the Standard live on the night check out our Facebook page.

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