Video and pix: Stars sparkle at Coppergate lights switch-on

Vicki and the panto team turn on the Coppergate Christmas lights. L-R: Joanita Musisi, Vicki Michelle, Anna Wallace and Louise Henry. Photographs: David Harrison / Coppergate Centre

Christmas has arrived in Coppergate.

A big crowd gathered at the Coppergate Centre to watch the lights being switched on by stars of stage and screen.

It was a night of music, fun and giveaways. Broadcaster and singer Ionica Adriana lead the crowd in choruses of Let It Go and Hallelujah, and chatted to some of the younger members of the crowd.

Then her fellow BBC Radio York presenters Anna Wallace and Joanita Musisi took over as hosts for the evening.

They introduced the stars of the Grand Opera House panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – ’Allo ’Allo star Vicki Michelle, magician Martin Daniels, Australian comedian and actor Mark Little, town crier Ben Fry and York newcomer Louise Henry.

And band Everything After Midnight rocked the stage too.

After the traditional countdown, the illuminations were switched on, including a cascade of lights down Coppergate Walk and a big tree in the square.

Then there was plenty of time to hit the shops which stayed open late.