FESTIVE fever hit Bracknell on Sunday as the cast of this year’s panto switched on the town’s Christmas lights.

Hundreds of people gathered in Princess Square as the actors behind South Hill Park’s Cinderella entertained the crowds in an event organised and funded by the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.

The cast were joined by Bracknell Forest Council Mayor Cllr Councillor Tony Virgo and Bracknell Town Council Mayor Cllr Councillor Ash Merry as well as the Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas character, who had been meeting children throughout the day.

Earlier in the day children also enjoyed free festive face painting in Bentalls and free fairy tale themed crafts upstairs in Princess Square.

Throughout the afternoon 250 numbered advent calendars were handed out to shoppers. Just before the light switch on a number was chosen at random and one lucky winner won £1,000 to spend in Bracknell town centre shops this Christmas.

Gemma Tizzard, marketing executive for BRP, said: “We were delighted with the turn out at the event and really pleased to see so many people join us to help kick off Christmas in Bracknell. The panto cast from our friends at South Hill Park were fantastic and we would encourage everyone to go and see CinderellaCinderella, and make sure they keep coming in to support the town centre when they do their Christmas shopping.

“We have lots more activities planned over the next few weeks, so check out what is happening at www.bracknell.com.”