GALLERY: Wisbech Christmas lights switch on proves a resounding success
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
More than a thousand people filled Wisbech Market Place for the town’s Christmas lights switch on yesterday.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Mayor of Wisbech Councillor Samantha Hoy turned on the lights, while Santa was on hand to chat to children and give out candy floss snowballs.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Those in attendance enjoyed fair rides and side stalls while a series of performances took place on the main stage.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Among them was a pantomime written by town councillor Steve Tierney and performed by the cast of the pantomime at the town’s Angles theatre.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Performers from Thomas Clarkson Academy and several Fenland dance schools also entertained the crowds before Soundstation brought the event to a close with a collection of Christmas carols and rock songs.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Even Vivien, the town’s historic fire engine, made an appearance.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Clips from famous Christmas films including Love Actually and The Grinch were shown on the big screen.
Wisbech Christmas Lights Switch on 2013. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
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For the first time the switch on celebrations took place on a Sunday instead of a Friday night, a move which, judging by the large crowd, was a success.
Organiser Susanah Farmer, deputy town clerk, said: “We usually get a good crowd for the switch on but this year there must have been more than 1,000 people there and the good thing is they stayed around for a lot longer.
“In the past people would leave after the switch on but this time they remained to enjoy the wonderful entertainment.
“We’ve had good feedback and the weather was lovely. All in all, everything seemed to go pretty well.”
There were free mince pies on offer courtesy of Morrisons, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, The Co-operative and Asda.
Mulled wine was also available, with the proceeds raised going to the Mayor’s Charity.
Councillor Hoy said: “In my five years with the town council I would say this Christmas lights switch on was definitely the best.
“And the event raised a good sum for the Mayor’s Charity.
“The move to Sunday really helped. There were people from all different communities and of all different ages there having a good time, which was pleasing.”
