CHRISTMAS lights in Trowbridge were switched on with a surprise backdrop of fireworks for the first time ever on Friday evening (November 26).

It was an unannounced feature which took everyone by surprise and, in the eyes of many, made it the most impressive switching on ceremony the town has ever witnessed.

The thousands who had gathered outside the town hall were suitably warmed up with a go at the mannequin challenge, the latest viral craze to sweep the nation, and with festive songs performed by talented upcoming singers.

As 6pm neared, Trowbridge town crier Trevor Heeks called up town mayor Cllr Linda Self, Father Christmas and the man in charge of pressing the all important button - ex-Coronation Street and Emmerdale star Bill Ward, to the stage.

After talking about the pantomime Aladdin he will be starring in this Christmas at Bath’s Theatre Royal, he illuminated the town to mass cheers before an impressive firework display put the icing on the Christmas cake.

Speaking after the event, Mr Heeks said: “It’s been a marvellous day, the town has been busy from start to finish with a number of streets absolutely packed.

“Bill Ward did a fantastic job just now and the fireworks, which nobody knew anything about, capped everything off.

“It gave me such a buzz being up on stage knowing what was about to happen. You’ll always get people saying it wasn’t quite right but we do our best organising this event every year and we are happy with how it went.”

Michael Williams, 40, from Bristol, said: “It was absolutely fantastic and has really got us in the mood for Christmas. We’re feeling far more festive now than we were before we came.

“We thought the whole thing was very well done and the fireworks were superb.”

Luca Williams, seven, of Monkton Park Primary School in Chippenham, said: “I really enjoyed the fireworks and the whole evening has made me feel really Christmassy.”