CROWDS flooded the streets of Warminster on Saturday (November 25) evening when the town’s Christmas lights were switched on.

During the traditional lights switch-on ceremony and Christmas fair people come out in their hundreds to enjoy carol signing and other festivities.

Families were in the Christmas spirit as the impressive illuminated lantern parade walked the streets led by Charlie the donkey before the big countdown.

The civic centre was filled with more than 30 stalls selling a variety of Christmas gifts, and the raffle raised money for the Mayor’s chosen charities, including the MS Therapy Centre and Warminster and District Food Bank.

The Santa’s grotto also proved to be popular with the children who were all eager to find out if they had been good this year.

Veronica Mills, administrative officer at Westbury Town Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on and the fair went very well. It was a nice low-key and traditional switch-on, but lots of people came, the High Street was packed.

“Charlie the donkey was a huge hit, and he is the biggest celebrity we have had at a switch on, he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

“It was a very successful event and everyone had a great time.”

Doubts were raised about the future of Warminster’s Christmas lights two years ago when the committee disbanded in 2015 due to volunteers stepping down to focus on other commitments.

At a town council meeting it was then decided to employ Westbury company Wheelers to put up the lights for the next three years. This year was the last year of their contract.

The council has not yet made any decision on who will put the lights up for 2018.