Thousands gather to see TikTok stars Jess and Norma launch Christmas at Marshall’s Yard
18 November 2024
Thousands of visitors gathered for a weekend of festive fun
that saw local TikTok stars Jess and Norma officially launch Christmas at
Marshall’s Yard shopping centre.
BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Sean Dunderdale and Pudsey
the Bear got the crowd going and led the countdown before Jess and Norma - a
granddaughter and grandma duo who have amassed a following of 2.5 million on
the social media site by posting about their heartwarming adventures - took centre
stage and turned on the festive lights.
Thousands cheered as the popular Gainsborough-based shopping
destination was lit up on Friday evening, before the fun continued with even
more festive entertainment and performances on the Saturday.
You can watch a video of the lights switch-on and the whole event on the Dransfield Properties Limited Vimeo channel here:- Thousands gather to see TikTok stars Jess and Norma launch Christmas at Marshall’s Yard on Vimeo
Jess said: “We had the most amazing time on Friday night, and
we were honoured to switch-on the Christmas lights in a town that is so special
to us.
“We loved meeting so many people who follow our story and
the lights looked incredible!”
Melissa Clement, Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard, said: “We
were honoured to have Jess and Norma turn-on our festive lights and it was
amazing to see the centre fully illuminated for the first time this year.
“We hope everyone had a good time and it was so great to see
so many happy, smiling faces.
“The event really kick started our festive season, and we
have so much more planned over the coming weeks to help to get you into the
Christmas spirit.”
Following the lights switch-on, the crowds marvelled at
stunning performances by the Spark! Drummers and later The JAXX Band.
The fun continued the following day with a performance from Room 21 Brass Band, and youngsters also got the chance to meet Santa in his Grotto, which also helped to raise money for the Dransfield Foundation.
The Star Wars Inquisitors mingled in with the crowds to provide
their unique brand of entertainment.
Visitors also enjoyed looking around more than 20 festive
stalls selling gifts, food and drinks, along with children's amusements and free
face-painting.
Two original Marshall's Tractors were also on site for
visitors to marvel at in a nod to the centre’s history as the former site of a factory,
which specialised in steam engines and agricultural machinery.
The event was kindly sponsored by Bomead, McDonalds
Gainsborough, and also ran alongside the Christmas Lights Festival held in the
town’s Market Place.
A spokesperson for Bomead, McDonalds Gainsborough said: “It
is a privilege to support this fantastic event and it was brilliant to see so
many people having a great time. I want to take this opportunity to wish
everyone a Merry Christmas.”
The festive fun will continue at Marshall’s Yard with a magical
two-day festive market on November 30 and December 1.
The market will be held between 10am and 3pm on both days
and includes free face painting, festive crafting and more than 20 traders
offering a variety of gifts.
This will be followed by a festive farm on December 7 and 8,
and a visit from Eric the Naughty Elf on December 14, plus other
Christmas-themed events.
Full details about the centre’s upcoming events, including
this year’s Christmas events programme, can be found at www.marshallsyard.co.uk
ENDS
Pictures show all the fun and festivities at the Christmas lights switch-on.
For further information, contact:
Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: admin@dransfield.co.uk