The festive season on Redlands Coast was ushered in on Friday, 29 November when crowds turned out at Cleveland’s library square to see the city’s Christmas tree light up.

A popular annual event, Council’s Lightup Your Christmas decorated Bloomfield Street and Raby Bay Harbour with live entertainment, children’s activities, twilight markets, a visit from Santa and his elves and, of course, the switch was flicked on and the Redlands Coast Christmas tree shone a festive beacon for all to enjoy.

Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted to have flicked the switch again this year.

“This event brings our city together and sparks the Christmas spirit in us all,” she said.

“To see children posting their letters to Santa, families enjoying photos with the man in red himself, the wonderful entertainment, the fun and festivities at the twilight markets and so many people come to see our beautiful tree light up was testament to the sense of community we share from one end of Redlands Coast to the other.

“The lighting of our tree is fast becoming a Redlands Coast tradition that I hope continues long into the future.”

The Redlands Coast Christmas tree shines a festive beacon.