Ilkeston - Christmas Lights Switch On
w/e 30 November 2025
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Samsung SM-G781B Mobile Phone
Even though Advent hadn't even started the last Friday
of November was the day for Ilkeston's Christmas Lights to be
switched on.
The event started at 5:30pm and there were already temporary
lights all around the Market Place but these came from a multitude
of fairground rides and attractions as people arrived for the
switching on of the Christmas Lights at 7:00pm.
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Entertainment had been provided by Ilkeston Brass, the
Ledger Dance Studios, the Grand Central Chorus, a magician and
as the hour drew near for the switch on, stilt walkers mingled
with the crowd.
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A new stage had been erected in front of the Town Hall
plus a large screen positioned so the everyone could have a good
view of the proceedings whether at the front of the stage or
further back. Council leader James Dawson and his deputy, Becca
Everett gave introductory remarks and then it was time for the
main event.
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Invited children were poised ready to press the plunger to switch
on the lights.
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But an uninvited guest, the Grinch, caused mayhem when he pulled
the plug. Much to his disgust the electricity supply was immediately
restored and the lights came on.
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Next to appear on stage and on the big screen was the figure
all the children had been waiting for - Santa Claus.
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Lights had been strung across the town's main streets
prior to the event including the end of Wharncliffe Road where
a parked bus - the town centre had been closed to through traffic
- bore a destination sign that read "Merry Christmas Ilkeston".
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The fairground rides were still in full swing as the crowds moved
away from the Town Hall to view more lights like these on South
Street.
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Many also moved between the rides across the Market Place to
the Christmas Tree by the Cenotaph.
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A steady procession of people paused for selfies in front of
the tree with the library as a backdrop - but I'm not that vain
so made do with a view of the tree!
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