MORE than 1,000 people packed into the Town Square in Crediton this afternoon and evening, Saturday, November 23, to watch what has been described as “the best yet” Christmas Lights Switch-On ceremony - and the rain held off!

Others who went along and who filled Market Street to watch the mini-parade described it as “absolutely fantastic”, adding “Crediton excelled itself this year”.

The afternoon began with children from Landscore and Hayward’s Primary School’s singing Christmas carols and songs as well as war-time songs learned as part of Remembrance.

Hundreds of people enjoyed listening to the children’s singing.

Then followed a performance by The Turning Tides Band, after which there was a display by Morris dancers from Otter Morris and the Chamber of Commerce Trader’s Race, which comprised of an egg and mini-Christmas pudding race rather than an egg and spoon race.

BATMOBILE

La Juega entertained until the arrival of the mini-parade from the top of Market Street, which included the Exeter Street Band, colourful lit arches made by volunteers, school groups, Brownies and Crediton Scouts with their cart, which had been turned into a “Batmobile”, complete with two people dressed as Batman and Robin.

The Scouts accepted donations in the cart for Crediton Foodbank from the crowds of people watching the parade and in the Town Square.

Leading the parade were the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch and Mayoress, Mrs Natalia Letch, with the Children’s Mask competition winners, Finn Cereda (5), from Beech Park and Maisy Suckley (10), from Saxon Close.

As well as receiving prizes, the children also switched on the Christmas lights on the huge tree in the Town Square.

They were joined by the judges, Rev Matthew Tregenza, Rev Ann Varker and Teresa Rodrigues.

More than 40 children took part in the Best Decorated Mask competition, the theme of the event this year being “Maskerade”.

Maisy said: “When I was announced as a winner I was mindblown. I have never won anything before”.

CROWDS WOWED

As the children and judges switched on the lights, fireworks shot into the sky from all four corners of the Town Square and wowed the crowds of people.

Before the lights were lit, there was the usual search for Father Christmas, who was found waving out of a window from the Three Little Pigs.

The sponsors were also thanked and presented with trophies. The sponsors were: Crediton Dairy, Create Storage and Hedgerow Print. Many other businesses have made donations to the lights and project and individual helpers and volunteers have helped to make it possible.

This year there were three cross-street decorations and more than 130 lit trees and stars on shop and business fronts.

Traders really got into the spirit of the event and many stayed open late for the evening or ran offers.

In addition to the children dressing up, many adults also wore masks and costumes.

The ever-popular land train returned to give rides up and down the High Street until late.

RAIN HELD OFF

In his speech, the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch welcomed everyone to the event and said that everyone had to thank St Boniface (the patron saint who had been born in Crediton and is now Patron Saint of Devon) and BBC Spotlight weatherman David Braine for arranging for the rain to stop for the afternoon and evening.

He thanked the sponsors and all those who helped in any way and said he hoped everyone enjoyed their evening.

Event Co-Ordinator, Crediton Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, said: “It was literally the best Lights Switch-On ceremony we have ever held.

“Everything went very well and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

“I cannot thank enough all the sponsors and volunteer helpers.”

Special thanks went to Jo Ward, electrician, and to Chairman of the Christmas in Crediton committee, Liz Brookes-Hocking.

Others thanked included Crediton Arts Centre, Crediton Tesco and members of the Lions Club of Crediton who assisted at the children’s mask competition and also helped with road closures.

Illuminations in the High Street were put up by members of the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface.

The trees, stars and decorations as well as those at St Lawrence Green are part of the Christmas in Crediton committee plans to brighten up the town for the festive season, making it a special time for the people of the town and to encourage everyone to shop locally.

MC was Stu Wight and the Town Clerk also officiated at the children’s competition and in the Town Square.