Pics: Festival of lights

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The Mother City donned her brightest and most sparkly garb over the weekend to bid the festive season a warm and happy welcome.

Thousands of revellers gathered on the Grand Parade on Sunday afternoon and evening to enjoy a free concert, featuring a star-studded line-up including legendary South African trumpeter and singer Hugh Masekela, Cape Town singer-songwriter Jimmy Nevis, SAMA-winning soul-jazz-house trio Mi Casa, The Rockets, Goodluck, Hot Water and DJ Luwayne.

The highlight of the event was the much-anticipated switching on of Adderley Street's Christmas lights at 20:30, an honour performed by Executive Mayor Patricia De Lille. The big 'swicth-on' resonates with thousands of Capetonians and has become a tradition that has taken place for over 45 years. It signals the start of the festive season.

Apart from welcoming the festive season, the festivities also marked the four-week countdown to Cape Town becoming the World Design Capital 2014. 

Take a look at a few of the celebration pics posted on social media: 

RT JonathanDuguid: About 80 000 have gathered today under Table Mountain for the @CityofCT's #FestiveCT. pic.twitter.com/uAEzdff3JC - great pic!

— Mariette dT-Helmbold (@MariettedTH) December 1, 2013

.@Goodlucklive playing at the @CityofCT's #FestiveCT concert. Don't forget to catch them at #KDay2014 with @MTNza - pic.twitter.com/kZAzIToFON

— 94.5 Kfm (@945Kfm) December 1, 2013

Thanks to @PatriciaDeLille for #FestiveLights with fireworks - 31 days to ringing in @WDC2014 #LoveCapeTown - Party! pic.twitter.com/r5LUjxUwn7

— enver duminy (@enverduminy) December 1, 2013

#LoveCapeTown switching on of festive season lights! The crowds are a great sign of support. W/ @edwillmp @aj_b19D pic.twitter.com/34UslJ3gls

— Fuad Peters (@fuadpeters) December 1, 2013

Check out this amazing display from across the pond. Can you match it? Tweet us with your pictures! #FestiveLights pic.twitter.com/tvTwYadt

— Martin & Co (@MartinCoLets) December 27, 2012

Amazing fireworks display as @CityofCT switches the #festivelights on. pic.twitter.com/OzI77z4dnq

— BevSchafer (@bevschafer) December 1, 2013