CROWDS gathered in Wrexham last night as the city prepared for its Christmas Light Switch On with an evening of live music, parades and a food market.

There was a party atmosphere in the city centre as hundreds came to enjoy the evening.

The event began with Wrexham’s Artisan Market which was open from 12pm with a variety of stall offering gifts, handcrafted good and delicious treats before a staged finale at Eagles Meadow.

Heart Radio North Wales presenter Oli was on stage at the shopping centre from 4pm introducing a range of acts as the evening progressed towards the main event.

Rebecca Royal kicked things off, wowing crowds with a mix of modern and classic hits before a performance from Urban Fusion Street Dance.

Snow falls on the crowds at Eagles Meadow.Snow falls on the crowds at Eagles Meadow. (Image: Simon Warburton)

And as the sun began to set, the Nightingale House Hospice Lantern Parade, led by Santa Claus, weaved its way through the crowds from Queens Square, before reaching Eagles Meadow at around 5pm.

The fun then continued with Dene Michael (of Black Lace) performing the band’s party favourites ‘Superman’ and ‘Agadoo’.

There were also performances from Ben Ofoedu (Phats & Small), Kevin Davy White, Passmore and Lois as revellers danced and sang along as the switch on approached.

Christmas lights illuminate the shopping centre.Christmas lights illuminate the shopping centre. (Image: Simon Warburton)

Finally at 7pm, there were cheers as the centre and the city was illuminated with a feast of festive lights and decorations.

The event, which was enjoying its third year at Eagles Meadow, was organised by the team at Eagles Meadow in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and Nightingale House Hospice.

Marketing manager for Eagles Meadow shopping centre, Lisa Hames, said: “It’s been a fantastic turnout this evening and I think every year it has just grown and become an even bigger event.

“The parade tonight [for Nightingale House] also brought hundreds of people along to the centre as well.

“It takes a lot of planning and teamwork to organise, this event took just over six months to bring it all together and with the previous two years being such a success we were very keen to bring it back again.

“We really work hard together and then we’re able to enjoy seeing everyone having such a good time once we get to the event.”