Christmas card and poem competitions
THERE was a great festive atmosphere in Westbury as hundreds of people turned out for the town’s annual Christmas Fayre and Christmas lights switch on which took place earlier this month.
The day was jam-packed with festivities to keep everyone entertained – with live music, stalls, street acts, children’s games, festive food and drinks on offer and of course a chance to meet Father Christmas and his helpful elves in his grotto, which was specially made by Westbury Shed.
The street fayre was followed by the much anticipated switch-on event in the evening which began with the Mayor announcing the winners of the Christmas card competition, Christmas poem competition and the Christmas window display competition. Shortly after, Father Christmas arrived in style on the Lions float and his elves handed out sweets to children in the crowd.
Events coordinator Verity Bartlett said, “Christmas came to Westbury on Saturday 3rd December, and the people of Westbury came out in their hundreds to support the event. The weather was kind (if a little cold) but the day still seems to have been a great success and well received.
“The walkabout acts in particular seemed to have gone down very well, with ‘The Spiced Satsumas’, Santa on his bike and ‘Jingle Bells’ the reindeer being particular hits. Little Santa on his bike is already booked to return in 2017! Unfortunately, we were let down on a couple of things, as the racing ferrets broke down on their way to us and were unable to get to the event.
“Another great success was Kris Freeman with his snakes and insects from Tropical Discovery; over 340 people had close encounters with the creepy crawlies, so I think we would definitely like to invite Kris back to future events.
“I would like to thank the stall holders who turned out for the day, there was a good variety of stalls and we welcomed some new faces as well as many familiar ones.
“I would also like to thank all the local residents and business for their co-operation in helping the event to go ahead.
“The lights switch on was also a great success, and a very excited Lucy Firth age five had the honour of pressing the ‘master switch’ to turn on the lights. After Santa had left, it was time for Westbury favourites the Cley Hill Stompers to round off the evening.
“Overall I think it was a well received event, which we will look to build on for next year.”
Mayor of Westbury, Councillor Stephen Andrews said, “Both the Christmas Fayre and lights switch-on went very well from my perspective. In conversations with members of the public who attended, with some of the stallholders and entertainers, everyone seemed to enjoy the event.
“Although the day was quite cold it was at least dry and this seemed to encourage more people to come along. It was particularly busy in the evening and it was great to see the High Street packed with people from end to end. So I would like to thank all the townsfolk from Westbury who attended and hope they enjoyed themselves and will return next year.
“I would also like to thank all those councillors and members of Westbury Town Council who assisted with the day’s events. Many worked very long hours from the evening before, all the way through to the event and afterwards, helping to take down everything and return the town centre to normal. The organisation of the event was superb and despite some no-shows with attractions and stalls, I think there was still plenty for everyone to enjoy.
“I am always amazed at the novel attractions that the Events Working Group of the council manage to get to these shows. This year we had an amazing reindeer, jugglers and a magician, together with our local favourites Kirsty Clinch and the Cley Hill Stompers.”
