TWO brothers helped Westbury mayor Mike Sutton switch-on the town’s Christmas Lights celebrations watched by thousands of people.

Jasper Addison, aged eight, beat his older brother Theo, aged nine, to the honour of being able to switch on the lights display at 5.45pm in front of a large crowd of onlookers.

A spokesperson for the organisers Westbury Town Council said: “It was chilly but very festive.

“It was just great to see everybody come out on a chilly winter’s evening to take part in a fun and positive community event.

“We hope that you all enjoyed the day. Thank you to everyone that was involved and helped to make this event possible.”

Jason, a pupil at Bitham Brook Primary School, was named as the overall winner of the mayor’s annual Christmas card design competition, having won the 6-8 years class.

His brother Theo was the runner-up, alongside Rosie Longhurst, aged five, who crafted hers with Dance Craft.

Aided and abetted by Westbury’s deputy mayor, Cllr Jane Russ, the winner was chosen from 47 entries spread over three classes 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11.

Each class has an individual winner, with the overall winner’s card being printed and sent out as the official Town Council Christmas card.

Westbury’s Christmas Celebrations started off with a bang this year with a performance by Flash!, billed as the UK’s most authentic Queen tribute act. 

They were supported by local group, the Sad Dad Club, and Sour Apple, comprising vocalist Kate Mills, accompanied by Susan Davies on guitar.

Westbury Market Place was packed full of traders selling food and drink, while the High Street hosted the usual winter market, funfair and choir singing.

Westbury Rotary Club donated mince pies and spiced hot toddies to hand out to passers-by.

The acts include choirs from local primary schools, Matravers School presents, Bratton Silver Band, Lee Ingram and the One Voice Community Choir, and the Sass Circus Skills Workshop.

Local dance groups Dance Craft, ALW Dance, Just So Dance and Infinity Dance, and Dangerous Dave’s puppet show, also took to the main stage to entertain the crowds.

Shoppers were able to browse the 40-plus stalls in the Christmas Market for stocking-fillers, and children were able to pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto on a chilly Saturday evening on December 2.

All Saints Church hosted its annual Christmas Tree Fair from Friday to Monday, with 50 trees contributed by local voluntary groups, schools and organisations.