Christmas comes to Westbury!

Christmas has arrived in Westbury with festive lights, fundraising displays and community events across the town.

Thousands of residents filled the town centre for the annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday 6th December, featuring a Christmas market, a Santa’s grotto, live animals and two stages showcasing performances from local acts throughout the day.

The winner of the Mayor’s Christmas card competition, eight-year-old Emily Meek,  pressed the button to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

“It was an utterly amazing day; only sorry I obviously omitted to tick the good weather box,” said Westbury Mayor, Jane Russ.

“I was really pleased that so many people were prepared to turn out to make it a really great event. The bands were fab, the food was fab, Westbury was fab. Well done everyone.”

A spokesperson from Westbury Town Council said, “A huge thank you to everyone who came along to Christmas in Westbury on Saturday, your support and festive spirit made the event truly special!”

Fundraiser lights

Residents have also enjoyed a festive display at a home on Coach Road, where a group of friends have continued Andy Burden’s annual Christmas lights while he recovers from a stroke. The display, which includes a large digital Christmas tree and Santa for children has been raising funds for the Stroke Association.

Festive events

Other festive events have also taken place across Westbury and surrounding villages, including Christmas concerts at local venues and churches, Christmas lights events in local villages, a festive family fun day to raise funds for a local boy, and a Christmas tree festival at All Saints’ Church. Santa has been on a fundraising journey around the town with the Lions. Schools have held Christmas fairs and nativities, local care homes have hosted festive events, and churches have held special services for the community.