Christmas arrives in Westbury

Father Christmas meets the people of Westbury

WESTBURY’S Christmas lights were switched on with a flourish this year, with a whole day of entertainment leading up to the big switch on. 

A street fayre was held in the town centre on Saturday 22nd November, with giant snowmen, miniature railway with Santa in his grotto, reindeer, music, inflatables, puppet shows, craft stalls, food stalls, fun fair, Christmas market, street entertainers, and performances from ‘Infinity Dance Team’ and ‘The Cley Hill Stompers.’ This was followed with the Christmas lights switch-on event in the evening.

The Mayor, cllr Christine Mitchell, presented the winners of the Christmas card competition and model competition with their prizes, Breeze FM compered proceedings, Westbury Junior School’s Ukulele Band performed, Santa arrived in style and also ‘Too Much Lipstick’ performed for the crowd.

Three-year-old Alfie Knight, who won his category in the Christmas card competition, was given the honour of switching on the lights.

Father Christmas arrives on his sleigh

Amanda McCann from the town council said, “Westbury Town Council would like to thank local people and businesses for their support, Firstly to thank all those who turned out and made the day and evening such a great occasion, it would not have been the same without you.

“Special thanks to Aldi, Co-op and Morrisons for supplying the mince pies, sweets and mulled wine.  We would also like to say a big thank you to Xylobands  from Westbury who provided all the flashing wristbands for the countdown, which looked amazing in the dark and added an extra bit of magic to the occasion.”

Councillor Sue Ezra, said, “As chairman of the events working group I would first like to thank the staff and all those councillors that gave up their time to make the day a success.

A puppet show was part of the festive celebrations.

“I spoke to many stallholders and visitors who said that the day was very enjoyable and the town should be proud of its efforts. One gentleman said it was even better than the efforts made by larger towns. The music and dance was really popular during the day.”

The Christmas in Westbury programme continues now with plenty of events in the run-up to Christmas. These include: • ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ – 11th-14th December at All Saints Church; • Thursday 11th December – (6.00pm – 8.00pm) ‘A Pool Party’ for young people in school years 6-9, at Westbury Swimming Pool. Free event, tickets available from Westbury Swimming Pool. • ‘Children’s Christmas Party’ – Saturday 13th December – (1.00pm – 4.00pm) Leighton Recreation Centre. For children aged 3-12 years. Tickets £4 from Leighton Recreation Centre, tel: 01373 824448.

For more information on Christmas in Westbury, please contact Amanda McCann on: 01373 822232 or visit: www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk