16 festive photos as crowds braved the cold to see the South Shields Christmas lights switch-on

The freezing temperatures didn’t dampen the festive spirit in South Shields on Thursday evening (November 20) as crowds gathered in Market Place to watch the Christmas lights switch-on.

Cllr Jay Potts, the Mayor of South Tyneside, led the countdown to the magical moment that saw the lights switched on.

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Crowds were able to get a glimpse of both Santa and The Grinch as the borough’s Christmas programme got officially underway.

Take a look through these 16 festive photos.