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9 pictures: York’s first Christmas lights of 2016 have been switched on!

Lit up like a Christmas tree… the Coppergate, er, Christmas tree. Photograph: Richard McDougall
@ Shopping
Lit up like a Christmas tree… the Coppergate, er, Christmas tree. Photograph: Richard McDougall
Lit up like a Christmas tree… the Coppergate, er, Christmas tree. Photograph: Richard McDougall

York has flicked the switch on Christmas! The lights have been turned on at the Coppergate Centre, transforming it into a winter wonderland.

The cast of Grand Opera House panto Aladdin did the honours. Paul Sinha, Debbie McGee, Carl Tracey and Stuart Wade were among the stars who paraded from Piccadilly to Coppergate in their colourful costumes.

Hosts from BBC Radio York Adam Tomlinson and Anna Wallace and Lord Mayor Dave Taylor joined in the fun, and after a countdown the dazzling decorations were turned on.

Check out our guide to future Christmas lights switch ons here.

A view from on high
A view from on high
The Coppergate tree
The Coppergate tree
Paul Sinha, Adam Tomlinson and Debbie McGee are on stage
Paul Sinha, Adam Tomlinson and Debbie McGee are on stage
Lights fantastic
Lights fantastic
The sight Christmas shoppers will see
The sight Christmas shoppers will see
Another view towards All Saints
Another view towards All Saints
The Aladdin panto team, including Carl Tracey in the centre
The Aladdin panto team, including Carl Tracey in the centre
A favourite with the youngsters: Carl Tracey
A favourite with the youngsters: Carl Tracey