CHRISTMAS was officially welcomed into the town on Saturday as hundreds of Westbury residents packed the High Street and the Market Place to enjoy a wide range of live music and activities as part of the annual Westbury Christmas lights switch on.
Crowds braved the freezing temperatures and were treated to an electric performance by local band, Sad Dad Club, before the town’s Christmas lights were officially turned on by the winner of this year’s Mayor’s Christmas card competition, Jasper Addison from Bitham Brook Primary School. This was followed by a special headline performance by Flash: A Tribute to Queen who helped keep people moving in the cold.
“Despite the very cold weather, the lights switch on went very well and crowds seemed larger than previous years,” said Westbury Mayor, cllr Mike Sutton. “Many people have commented that it was the best one ever, which gives us something to live up to next year.
“The events and stalls in the Market Place were well supported, as well as the many stalls in the High Street and the various acts. The tribute band to close the evening was a fitting finale to a great day and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“In these difficult times, we are pleased to give the wonderful people of Westbury a day to enjoy and the result makes all the efforts and preparation so worthwhile.”
Before the evening concert began, the main stage in the Market Place hosted performances from Dance Craft, ALW Dance, Infinity Dance and Just So Dance, as well as Sour Apple, performances from Matravers’ pupils and Dangerous Dave’s Puppet Show.
In the High Street, the festivities continued with Bratton Silver Band, Matravers School Presents, primary school choirs and Lee Ingram and One Voice Community Choir, all serenaded shoppers as they enjoyed the festive market, while Sass Circus Skills Workshop provided entertainment for children.
All Saints’ Church also held their hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival over the weekend – full coverage of this, and the Mayor’s Christmas card competition, will be in the next issue of White Horse News.
Westbury Town Council says, “We would like to thank everyone who attended the Westbury Christmas celebrations and lights switch on. The event was a huge success, with hundreds of people enjoying the festive atmosphere, Christmas Market and the amazing Queen tribute performance by Flash!
“The event started with the Christmas market lit up by festoon lights and blessed with choir music and the Bratton Silver Band. The primary school children singing in the High Street is becoming a Westbury tradition that we all love. Santa’s grotto was also up in the Market Place, where children could meet the big man himself!
“Westbury’s talented young people from Matravers showed their skills, while the dance groups did the same through the afternoon. This was all in between the incredible Dangerous Dave puppet show which played to a packed crowd in the Market Place.
“The highlight of the evening was the lights switch on ceremony where the Westbury Mayor, Michael Sutton, was accompanied by the Christmas card winner who turned on the lights of the town. The churchyard was lit with more white lights, while inside more than 50 trees were decorated by different community groups around the town, as part of the Christmas Tree Festival.
“Later in the evening, the Sad Dad Club got the show started with a brilliant performance, although the lead singer wearing shorts on what was a chilly evening was probably questionable! Then the crowd was treated to a spectacular show by Flash, the UK’s most authentic live tribute to Queen. The band performed some of Queen’s greatest hits, such as We Will Rock You, Don’t Stop Me Now, and We Are the Champions. The audience sang along, clapped, and waved their hands in the air, creating a memorable night for everyone.
“Westbury Town Council would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, traders and performers who made the event possible. See you next May for a bit of downhill fun!”
