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Isle of Man: Thousands gather for Christmas light switch-on

BBC Crowds and lantern paradeBBC
A lantern parade was held as part of the celebrations

Thousands of people have gathered in the Isle of Man's capital for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

A series of events were held in the high street in Douglas to coincide with the light-up at 19:00 GMT on Thursday.

The festive celebrations were led by a lantern parade along Strand Street, accompanied by a choir singing carols.

Unlike the United Kingdom, there are currently no social distancing requirements on the island and gatherings are permitted.

Organised by Douglas Borough Council, the original format of the event was dropped amid concerns about overcrowding on North Quay in previous years.

Christmas lights on Strand Street, Douglas
The high street was lit up with strings of festive lighting
Carollers leading the parade
A choir of carollers joined the lantern parade
Pipe ban playing in front of a a crowd
A pipe band entertained the crowds during the celebrations
Lantern parade
People from around the island visited the capital for the events
Douglas town hall
Douglas Town Hall was lit up as part of the festivities
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