WESTBURY’S Christmas lights were switched on with a flourish this year, with a whole day of entertainment leading up to the switch on.
A street fair was held in the town centre on Saturday 23rd November, with Christmas penguins, reindeer, music, inflatables, entertainers, and more filling the streets.
This was followed with the switching on of the Christmas lights in the evening. Father Christmas arrived, and festive refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies were on offer.
Three-year-old Rhianna-Marie Dommett, who won her category in the fancy dress competition, was given the honour of switching on the lights.
This year was the first time the Christmas lights switch on has been combined with the main day of Christmas events.
Last year, adverse weather conditions meant that the street events day had to be cancelled and the Christmas lights switch on re-arranged, but this year the weather stayed dry and events could all go ahead as planned.
Westbury Mayor, cllr David Windess said, “The day went very well, and it was very well attended – it just goes to show in Westbury there is a really good community spirit.
“The street events committee have really done Westbury proud.”
The town council has also sent a message of thanks to local people and businesses for their support saying, “Firstly to thank all those who turned out and made the day and evening such a great occasion. This year the crowd for the lights switch on was much larger than last year and everyone seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Also special thanks to the Co-op and Morrisons for again this year supplying the mince pies and sweets, and to Jitterbugs and Tesco Express for their contribution of sweets.
“The mulled wine, tea, coffee and mince pies were enjoyed by all and the elves shared their eight buckets of sweets with the children in the crowd and surprise surprise, came back with empty buckets! Well done and thank you again to the residents of Westbury.”
The Christmas in Westbury programme continues now with plenty of events in the run-up to Christmas.
These include: • ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ – 12th-15th December at All Saints Church; • ‘Children’s Christmas Party’ – Saturday 7th December – (1.00pm – 4.00pm) Leighton Recreation Centre. For children aged 3-12 years. Tickets £3.75 from Leighton Recreation Centre, tel: 01373 824448. • Thursday 19th December – (6.00pm – 8.00pm) ‘A Pool Party’ for young people in school years 6-9, at Westbury Swimming Pool. Free event, booking advisable as spaces are limited, please contact Sally Willox from Westbury Youth Development Services on 01373 822335.
For more information on Christmas in Westbury, please contact Amanda McCann on: 01373 822232 – email: info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or visit: www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
