Thousands gather to see TikTok stars Jess and Norma launch Christmas at Marshall’s Yard

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

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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: pr@dransfield.co.uk