Dancing SAFC stars to fireworks: 12 pictures from Sunderland's Christmas lights switch on

From Wilson Isidor’s dance moves to a fanfare of fireworks, it was a cracker of a Christmas lights switch on in Sunderland.

Here’s some highlights.

5. Three, two, one

Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Allison Chisnall said: "The annual Christmas Switch-On marks the start of the city's countdown to the big day. It's something that families from across Sunderland and beyond really look forward to each year. "It was wonderful to see so many people braving the bitter temperatures to enjoy the Christmas Switch-On." | North News & Pictures

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6. Panto fun

Stars of this year's Jack & the Beanstalk panto at the Empire were also on hand for the big switch on including Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden, Miss Rory and Tom Whalley. | North News & Pictures