last minute re-schedule for big switch on doesn’t dampen the Christmas spirit
WESTBURY’S Christmas Lights were finally switched on with a flourish last Friday after the event, initially scheduled to take place on Saturday 24th November, had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
The street events day and the Christmas lights switch-on went ahead smoothly last Friday and the High Street was packed with excited onlookers for the big event.
The streets were buzzing with fairground rides, the lights were switched on, and even Father Christmas re-arranged his busy schedule to be in Westbury to greet the children.
The town council has thanked local people for their support in attending the re-scheduled event.
Sean Price, town crier said, “Basically it was a bit of a disaster, there was a big risk Santa might fail in his flight to Westbury with the weather conditions. We’re really pleased he could alter his schedule and did appreciate his efforts.
“I think the town council surpassed themselves re-arranging at such short notice, and spreading the word around. There were a hell of a lot of people and we really did appreciate them coming out – it is the biggest day of the year for Westbury. Everyone involved in organising it did a fantastic job.”
Christine Mitchell, chair of the town council’s Christmas in Westbury working group said, “The weather stayed nice, the children participated, and there was a good atmosphere. It all came together! Most of the credit goes to the town council staff, they were brilliant. They got people on board, made the phone calls, and got everything turned around.
“I was a bit worried at the beginning of the evening, and then suddenly the whole High Street was packed. I think all the schoolchildren who took part, the elves and the ukulele group, were marvellous.”
In the week before the event, the town council went to the schools in the town and asked them to announce the change of date to children and their families, as well as putting up posters in the town and informing the local media.
Keith Harvey, town clerk said, “Wiltshire Council was very helpful in allowing us to move our road closure back a week. We’d already planned the mince pies and teas and coffees and mulled wine. The Lions were very good in re-arranging their route for Father Christmas to allow him to be available for half an hour or so in the High Street. The only disappointment is that the previous week we would have had an all-singing and all-dancing stage and had to improvise for that.
“It was trying to cover as many bases as we could in the time we had. We were very fortunate with the weather as it adds to the atmosphere. People did come up to me and compliment us on what an enjoyable evening it was.
“On behalf of the town council, we would like to apologise for the previous week’s cancellation, which was a disappointment to us as well as everyone else. A big thank you to everyone for their support on the night.”
Sean Price added, “We really appreciated Wheeler’s who do the lights. There is also another mention I must make – there was a last minute hitch and Chantry TV helped us out, so a big thank you to them.”
• A child’s purse was handed in to the town council after the event on Friday. Please contact the council at the Laverton if you think it may be yours.
