The bands played, children clambered on their parents shoulders, the panto dame and assorted characters mingled freely, eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement – and the crowds went home happy and smiling.

On a cold November evening, Ely’s Big Christmas Lights Switch On lived up to and surpassed expectations.

For four hours the market place was alive with seasonal cheer and former X Factor stars ramped up the atmosphere, musicians belted out some amazing songs and dance groups – and even an escapologist- kept the entertainment rolling.

KD Productions also played a magnificent part in the night as they performed Snow White and the Seven Dwarves on stage.

Fairground rides were available to retain the momentum of a city enjoying a night out, and organisers who promised it would be the best ever raised the bar for 2016.

Behind the scenes had been months of planning and fund raising and an enormous logistics effort that saw all expectations fulfilled.

Organisers had promised “The Magic Is Coming- Get Ready For It” and so it turned out to be.

Photographer Rob Morris was on hand to capture the highlights of the evening- here’s a selection of his photos.