VIDEO: Colourful, musical Christmas kick-off for Rotherham town centre

The mini Deputy Mayor, Olivia Hodges, pushes the switch to turn on the lights. Also pictured (from left to right) are, Korben Smith, Fire Cadet, The Mayor and Matyoress of Rotherham, Cllr and Mrs Alan Buckley, Rother FM breakfast DJ, Stewart Nicholson, Jorja Bailey, Fire Cadet and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jenny Andrews. 184595-10

YouTube sensation Alfie Sheard and X-Factor contestant Georgia Burgess both performed for a packed crowd in All Saints’ Square before the big switch-on.

Rotherham’s official Christmas tree — hastily replaced following complaints about the original sorry spruce — dazzled and town centre shopping streets were colourfully lit up.

Rotherham Youth Choir and members of the cast of the Civic Theatre’s pantomime Dick Whittington also entertained the waiting public at last night’s event, while the plunger to turn on the lights was pressed by the mini Deputy Mayor, Olivia Hodges, with the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley looking on.

Seventeen-year-old Alfie (below), of Ravenfield, shot to fame last year when videos of him busking in Doncaster went viral and lead to an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show in the USA.

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Georgia (below), meanwhile, made it through to the judge’s houses stage of this year’s X-Factor before bowing out. wowing them with her rendition of the Jackson 5 hit ‘Who’s Loving You'.

Father Christmas made a brief visit to the town centre and there were seasonal market stalls.

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The festive fun continues with Christmas at Boston Castle on December 2 from 11am to 3pm, where families can have a go at making decorations.

Christmas Mix in All Saints’ Square on December 8 will feature family entertainment, free present wrapping, craft sessions and an apparance by the Ugly Sisters. The event runs from 11am to 4pm.

A wreath-making workshop is being held at Clifton Park Museum from 10am to noon the same day.

And Rotherham’s Magical Reindeer Parade returns on December 15 at 12.45pm.

The City of Sheffield Pipe Band will be leading the parade which will set off through the town centre and the reindeer will remain in their viewing area outside Boots until 3pm.

There will also be music on the day from Liberty Church Choir and Thorpe Hesley Brass Band alongside the Tent of Mystery (close-up magic) and craft sessions.

See the council website at rotherham.gov.uk for more details.