Westbury’s streets may have missed their usual bustle on the day planned for the Christmas lights switch-on due to Storm Darragh, but there is still plenty of festive activity for residents to enjoy in the town.
Although the big switch-on event, originally scheduled for last Saturday, was cancelled, a more low-key switch-on took place on Friday, with 10-year-old Max Griffin, winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, turning on the lights. He was joined by Mayor Cllr Jane Russ and Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Bailey.
“It was really sad that we had to cancel the Christmas Market and lights switch-on on Saturday,” said Mayor Cllr Jane Russ. “It was the only sensible thing to do under a red weather warning but it wiped out all the hard work done by staff and stall holders to be ‘event ready’.
“However, we made sure young Max Griffin, who won the Christmas Card competition, got to press the button on Thursday night, even if there were only a few of us there to enjoy the moment. Thanks Max and also to Max’s parents for getting him there at short notice.
“Christmas in Westbury has officially begun – come and enjoy the magic!”
There’s still plenty going on over the festive period, with local community groups and churches organising events to bring people together, and local businesses adding to the spirit with decorated shops and windows.
Westbury Town Council has organised a best dressed window competition and elf hunt around town while other planned events include the town carol service by candlelight, special Christmas services at local churches, a Boxing Day dog walk at the Horse and Groom, a Christmas Market at The View on Sunday 15th December and a Westbury Choral Christmas Concert at Westbury Methodist Church on Friday 20th.
