POLICE were called out to help security guards prevent street vendors from selling illuminated glow sticks at the Melksham Christmas Lights Switch-on.

It is understood that a group of street sellers who failed to pre-book stalls tried to enter a secured area of the town centre to tempt families into buying the wands.

At one point, the guards employed by Melksham Town Council were forced to call the police to support their ban on the sellers and prevent them from entering the Market Place on Saturday, December 2.

Wiltshire Times: Security staff turned away street sellers who tried to get into the Melksham Christmas lights display. Photo: Trevor Porter 70399=2Security staff turned away street sellers who tried to get into the Melksham Christmas lights display. Photo: Trevor Porter 70399=2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

A bystander said: “I hope other councils adopt the tactics as I have witnessed these sellers who don’t understand English conning buyers at carnivals in Trowbridge and Warminster.”

Melksham Town Council had posted warning notices on barriers saying: “Please, there is no need for you to buy from street sellers outside the road closure.

“We have plenty of stalls suitable for everyone inside the road closure. Only pre-booked stalls allowed entry.”

Wiltshire Times: Security staff evict street sellers who tried to get into the Melksham Christmas lights display switch-on. Photo: Trevor Porter 70399-3Security staff evict street sellers who tried to get into the Melksham Christmas lights display switch-on. Photo: Trevor Porter 70399-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The activity failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of onlookers who gathered to watch the annual switch-on and firework display in front of Melksham Town Hall.

The spectacular Christmas Lights display and fireworks are now a traditional and annual highlight of the Melksham community calendar, as the event always welcomes thousands of people from Melksham and surrounding villages and towns.

The switch-on took place at 6pm at the Market Place and was accompanied by a gift fair in Melksham Assembly Hall from 2pm to 7pm.

Town centre roads were sealed off by barriers in the run-up to the event, to prevent traffic from entering the area where fairground rides and other activities were taking place.

More than 60 traders took stalls in the Market Place and Assembly Hall selling festive crafts, produce, gifts and cards.

Wiltshire Times: Melksham Assembly Hall was packed with people doing some Christmas shopping: Photo: Trevor Porter 70400-3Melksham Assembly Hall was packed with people doing some Christmas shopping: Photo: Trevor Porter 70400-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Other activities included face painting, stilt walkers, fairground rides and a special appearance from Frozen star, Olaf, as well as Father Christmas arriving on his sleigh.

The Melksham Carnival Team presented a special Santa’s Grotto with storytime-themed sessions throughout the day to entertain the children.

Entertainment in the Market Place featured local Indie group The Sunnies, Red, Plan of Action, Belle’s Angels, In 2 Dance and Melksham School of Dance. 

Wiltshire Times: Melksham’s own Hannah Glencross entertained shoppers at Melksham Assembly Hall: Photo Trevor Porter 70400-4Melksham’s own Hannah Glencross entertained shoppers at Melksham Assembly Hall: Photo Trevor Porter 70400-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Master of Ceremonies, local DJ Andy Baker, hosted an Avon Bowls Club sing-a-long and performances by Melksham Rock ‘n’ Roll, Melksham Music and Drama and vocalist, Hannah Glencross in the Assembly Hall.