Derby's Christmas lights were switched on in 2004 by Lionel Blair and Sherrie Hewson, stars of that year’s Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fabulous Noughties photos show Derby's festive lights switch-on celebrations
Were you in the crowds to see Sherrie Hewson and George Sampson?
It has been the highlight of Derby’s Christmas celebrations for many years - the annual lights switch-on in the Market Place.
A colourful parade headed by no other than Father Christmas winding its way through the city centre and the fun-filled musical extravaganza which culminated in the big moment when the Market Place and surrounding streets were flooded with a sparkling lights display.
There have been many different versions of the event over the years but one thing has never changed, the excitement of the crowds who have packed into the square to witness the spectacle.
These fabulous photos from our archive show some of the switch-on events in the Noughties and the celebrities who have done the honours, including everyone from entertainer Lionel Blair and Coronation Street and Benidorm actress Sherrie Hewson to X-Factor finalists and Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson.
Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson performed along with runners up 'Signature' at the switch-on in 2008Excited youngsters line the parade route in 2008 to see Santa and his reindeerIn 2009, X-Factor contestants Laura White and Eoghan Quigg provided the celebrity glamour. The fabulous photo shows a packed Market PlaceThese spectators were clearly thrilled by Eoghan Quigg’s Market Place performance in 2009In 2002, members of rock band Toploader Dan Hipgrave (left) and Joe Washbourn switched on the Christmas lights on stage in the Market PlaceThe lights display in the Cornmarket in 2007VIPs on stage push the plunger to officially switch on the lights in 2007. From left, Mayor of Derby Councillor Pauline Latham, Santa Claus, panto stars Judy Buxton and Jeffrey Holland, and Councillor Alan Graves with a young competition winnerFather Christmas and his reindeer travelling along St Peter's Street towards the Market Place in 2005Crowds enjoying the festive fun in 2004
