HUNDREDS of local people turned out in the centre of Westbury for the annual switching on ceremony of the town’s Christmas lights.
The switch-on, the official start of Christmas in Westbury, was performed by Mayor of Westbury, cllr Sue Ezra, and the young winners of the annual Christmas card competition on Friday 27th November.
A large crowd lined the High Street to see Father Christmas arrive on Westbury Lions’ float before the lights were illuminated by the mayor and Robin Wheeler, Amy Baker, Amy Wheeler and Jade Evans. Before the switch-on the crowd was treated to a performance from the Westbury Community Youth Choir, and ‘Jono’ from 3TR FM’s breakfast show compered proceedings.Fortunately the weather, although cold, stayed dry for the duration of the event.
Westbury Mayor cllr Sue Ezra said, “I thought it went really well and I was very pleased with the turnout. Lots of children came down and I thought the choirs were really nice. It was a really good evening, and weren’t we lucky with the weather?”
“I’m hoping now that people will come out for the street events day on the 12th of December. I think we will get another good turnout if the weather is good, that’s the main thing, if it stays dry.”
During the evening town council members served free refreshments, dressed in Victorian costume, and the Westbury Lions sold candy floss and marshmallows with melted chocolate.
There was also a merry go-round and a giant inflatable slide for youngsters to enjoy.
Lions president Mike Healy said, “I think it went very well, there were lots of people about. We probably didn’t raise too much money, but it’s more about the community, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
“It was worth being there just to see the faces of the children.”
