LANTERNS adorned the glistening streets of Warminster on Saturday night as hundreds turned out for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Around 1,200 people lined the roads in the town centre for the switch-on as well as the Christmas market which featured 30 stalls selling a wide range of gifts including crafts, jewellery, baby gifts, toys, pottery, woodturning and fresh produce.

Across the evening, families were entertained with Santa’s grotto and a children’s choir as well as live music from Dukebox.

Over 30 lanterns, designed by local school children, paraded their way along Market Place which was led by Bath’s Jamma de Samba band.

Mayor Sue Fraser said: “The turnout wasn’t as high as normal but that was down to the weather but all in all it went very smoothly and everyone there had a good time.

“There were a lot of lanterns taking part and we had the Baron come out during it as well. We nearly weren’t able to but we managed to sort out the technical issue at the last minute.

“It was just so nice to see so many youngsters out with their lanterns which they had made by hand and so you could see how much hard work went into them.”

In addition to a performance by the Warminster Community Choir, the lights were switched on by Junior Civic award winner Emily Clarke, Father Christmas and town crier Phil Seddon.

Cllr Fraser added: “Emily really loved it and although she was a bit nervous about talking into the microphone, she did a great job.

“We had the community choir sing on the night and I have been told there was a slight hiccup with the microphone but they sounded lovely.”

Plans will soon be underway to start planning next year’s event.