Melksham’s volunteer Christmas Lights team made it snow tonight, as hundreds packed the Market Place for the annual switch-on celebration.

Crowds gathered early in the afternoon for a Christmas fair in the Assembly Hall, before attention turned to the Town Hall, where carol singers entertained the growing numbers.

After a short speech by mayor Chris Petty, and a rendition of Silent Night by singer Rosie Baikes-May, which was dedicated to several former members of the Christmas Lights Team, group co-ordinator Alan Weymouth addressed the crowds.

He said; “It’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight.

“Every town has a big celebrity to turn their lights on, but this is Melksham, and we don’t bother with all that nonsense.

“We have got a guy who has been turning on the lights for 35 years, and we all thought we would like our lights turned on by our Lennie.”

He then revealed that long-serving team member Len Bealing, who has been helping with the town’s lights since 1977, was celebrating his birthday, and had been selected to switch on this year’s illuminations.

Following a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday a cheer went up as he flicked the switch, bathing the town centre in light.

As fireworks erupted from the roof of the town hall glitter fell from the skies, and artificial snow drifted down onto the assembled masses.

Melksham residents Zoe and Tony Stannard took their three grandchildren to watch the lights switch on.

Mrs Stannard said: “It’s lovely, there are a lot more people here, we have been in the town about eight years and the lights just get better and better each year.”

Sam Weaver watched the lights with her four children. She said; “It’s excellent, the kids loved it, and I think this is the best by far. The fireworks at the end were absolutely brilliant.”

Speaking after the lights came on Mr Weymouth said: “I’m very pleased with how it’s gone. We are so grateful to everyone, it’s an absolutely incredible turnout.

“There’s just 11 on the team who put it all together, and it’s incredible to think what they achieve in one month.

“The Christmas Fair was unbelievable, it was packed at 1pm. The only complaint we had was that no one had space to move.”