Thousands of people filled market square on Sunday (November 17) as the festive season was given a glowing start at the city’s Christmas lights big switch-on event.

Organised by Cambridge BID and supported once again by the Cambridge Independent, the event included an afternoon of entertainment ahead of the lights being lit.

It was a mix that proved popular with the crowds.

A spokesperson for Cambridge BID said: “We were absolutely delighted with the switch-on event this year, the crowd was amazing and all of the acts had a great day.

“Community events are very important to the city and we are thrilled that we can deliver these year on year.

“Thanks to our sponsor the Cambridge Independent and of course to Star Radio for doing such a fabulous job compering the stage.”

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Cambridge children provided musical entertainment with Netherhall, Icknield primary and Milton primary schools all taking to the market square stage.

They were joined on the programme by members of the city’s performing arts schools – On Stage Performing Arts, the Pauline Quirke Academy, Stagecoach Performing Arts, Razzamataz Theatre School and Splitz Theatre Artz.

There were also performances from Ballet Central and Vocal Remix and a singalong with Cambridge Rock Choir – with Star Radio pulling the whole event together.

The main event – the switch-on – was to have included Sam Isaacson, the winner of Star Radio’s competition to find a community star to flick the switch.

Unfortunately Sam, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in March 2015, aged just 25, was too poorly to attend so her mum, Sue, helped Cambridge mayor Cllr Gerri Bird, switch on the city’s lights.

Earlier in the day, actor Warwick Davis joined BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Jeremy Sallis in the Grand Arcade to turn on the shopping centre’s lights.

There was a large crowd for the event, which also saw performances from schools, theatre companies and choirs.