Christmas cheer comes to Nottingham
Olympic canoeist Tim Brabants switched on the glittering display of blue and silver lights with the help of the Lord Mayor, Coun Gul Nawaz Khan, at 6.20pm.
Among the revellers was James Beardsmore, 33, from Bilborough, who brought his wife, Tina, 38, and their three children Jamie, eight, Ben, six and Ashley five.
Mr Beardsmore said: "It's all very festive. I love things like this. It really gets me in the Christmas mood."
Four-year-old Indiana Madej, from Rise Park, was in the square with his grandfather Ray Webster, 65.
Indiana said: "I love the lights. The best thing about Christmas is presents."
The outdoor ice rink was also opened in the square yesterday and among the first to try it out were an ice-skating snowman and Christmas pudding.
Also returning was the popular German Market selling food, drink and gifts.
Carols rang out in the Exchange Arcade as Marie Curie Cancer Care held its annual Lights to Remember service.
Singers from Bluecoat School, in Aspley, led a singalong as people gathered to remember loved ones.
Sue Rowlett, area fund-raising manager for the charity, said: "The appeal has raised almost £2,000 so far this year.
"We've had fantastic support again this year. As always, people have been very generous. This is the seventh time we have held this and numbers seem to be getting bigger each year."
The Salvation Army Toy Appeal was also launched, with Sheriff of Nottingham Coun Brian Grocock and Robin Hood calling a festive truce.
Coun Grocock said: "It's extremely important that Robin Hood and I are friends at this time of year.
"We will continue to be so until Christmas Eve."
Circus performers including Jack Frost on stilts also joined in the fun.
Jack Frost said: "The north winds are going to blow hard this Winter. I can predict that there's going to be a white Christmas."
bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
Skaters in The Square
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