Thousands of people waved and cheered as they lined the streets to watch the seasonal spectacular, which is now in its second year.

The Evening News Princess, Jodie Margetts, headed the parade in a mini Rolls-Royce accompanied by Scarborough mayor Eileen Vickers and Father Christmas.

As Jodie waved her magic wand Scarborough's Christmas lights were illuminated, followed by cheers from the crowd.

Eight-year-old Jodie, who is a Gladstone Road Junior pupil, said: "It was really nice being a princess for the day, I have been really excited looking forward to it.

"It was good turning all the lights on with my wand, and a lot of fun."
Following on from Jodie was the rest of the parade, which included an illuminated train carrying the 16 runners up in the princess competition, two illuminated Night Angels stilt walkers, the Gas Lights Jazz Band, and the YMCA pantomime cast.

For the first time, this year's parade also featured staff from a number of town centre stores, including Matalan, Boyes, Woolworths, Boots, Debenhams, and Pets At Home.

Town Centre manager Malcolm Hall, who organised the event said: "It has been a fantastic event with a wonderful Christmas Princess and a marvellous parade.

"The parade works really well as it spreads the event across the whole town, and everyone can see what's going on.

"This year has seen the whole community come together and help to produce a great event. It just shows what can happen when the whole town works together. It has been wonderful."

The parade started in Queen Street, and proceeded along Newborough and Westborough, along St Nicholas Street via York Place and Somerset Terrace, before heading along St Thomas Street, and Castle Road, where it turned down Auborough Street to finish at Boyes.

Seven-year-old Alice Peoples, of Falsgrave, is a student at Gladstone Road Juniors. She said: "The parade was really good and I liked all the fairytale characters. My friend was the Christmas Princess and it was nice to see her in the parade. I waved at her as she went by."

Kirsty Collinson, 30, of Commercial Street, was watching the parade with her 18-month old daughter Molly. She said: "My daughters Sadie and Mia were in the parade with the YMCA theatre. It's lovely to see the children getting involved – my two have been looking forward to it for ages."

Adrian O'Flanagan, 42, of Newby, and his wife Lisa brought their son Marcus, six, and daughter Molly, two, to watch the parade. Mr O'Flanagan said: "This is the first time we have seen it and we thought it has been really enjoyable. The kids have really loved it."

Maureen Foreman, 67, of Hunmanby said: "I have come along with my granddaughters Jessica and Rebecca. Their eyes just lit up when they saw all the characters go by. Jessica especially like the Wizard of Oz characters. Having a parade is much better than just having a switch on."

Ten-year-old Charlotte Hagan, from Falsgrave said: "I thought the parade was really nice, and a really good opportunity for everyone to get together and watch the lights being switched on."

Jack Maw, five, of Pinewood drive said: "My favourite bit was seeing Santa, and being given presents, but I liked it all really."

Jack's mother Claire Maw, 40, said: "The parade was fantastic. It was nice to see so many people taking part. An event like this is great for the town. It brings everyone together and gets everyone in the Christmas mood."