Stars from the Oakengates Theatre Panto, Beauty and the Beast, and members of Telford Tigers Ice Hockey Team were also there to kick start the year’s festive celebrations. The crowds also appreciated the brand new Christmas lights display, which is a spectacular addition to the centre.

The evening saw the opening of the Beauty and the Beast-themed grotto which is located in Sherwood Square and is now open every day until Christmas Eve.

Chris Jones, Centre Director at Telford Shopping Centre, said: “This year’s Christmas activities got off to a tremendous start last night. We were thrilled to see so many people turn out to see the switch-on and join in the celebrations.

“While the switch-on is a high point in the Christmas calendar, it is just the start of the celebrations and there’s a lot more going on in the Centre in the run up to the big day, including the Christmas Charity Wrap which allows shoppers to have their presents wrapped whilst raising money for local charities.

“We look forward to sharing this festive time with our shoppers, and hope they enjoy our full programme of seasonal events and family friendly activities.”