WESTBURY put on a Christmas lights switch-on event to rival bigger towns in the county, with hundreds of visitors making the most of the festivities.

The town council organised an extensive programme to complement the annual lights switch-on this year, with a street fair in High Street, Maristow Street and Market Place preceding the main event.

The fair included real reindeers, a miniature railway with Santa’s grotto, Snowmen Family, Dave Hickory the balloon magician, Christmas puppet shows, music, street entertainers and rides.

There was also a visit from Father Christmas, live music, craft and food stalls and a market in the High Street car park.

Westbury town councillor Sue Ezra, who chairs the council’s events working group, said: “It all went to plan and we were busy, even though the weather wasn’t great at times.

“It was really successful and we had lovely comments.

“One visitor even said that it was better than some of the bigger towns in Wiltshire and that we should be proud of what we’ve achieved, which I thought was absolutely fantastic.

“The whole day was excellent and everyone seemed to enjoy the lights switch-on and seeing Santa up close. The market in the upper level of the car park was also a new addition this year – it was great so hopefully we can do that again.

“We always look for something new to do each year as otherwise people say it is all the same. I want to thank everyone on the council and all those who helped out, especially all the stallholders that came along.”

The Christmas lights were turned on by the Mayor of Westbury Christine Mitchell and the winners of each age category were announced of the annual Christmas card competition run by Westbury Town Council.

Each winner also received £25 in tokens, while the overall winning design, which was produced by three-year-old Alfie, of The Rainbow Playschool, will feature on the town council Christmas Card.

His mum, Michelle, said: “He loved helping turn on the lights and he was really happy to win. The lights switch-on was really good and Alfie loved seeing Father Christmas.”