THE winner of a competition to find stars in Crediton’s Town Square which spelt out the name “Twinkle”, switched on Crediton’s Christmas Lights this year.
Toby Stagg (5), was assisted by his sister Chloe (9), the Mayor of Crediton Cllr Guy Cochran, Father Christmas and his two elves and Rob Pudner, MC for the event, from Entertainingly Different.
The town square was filled to capacity and everyone took part in the countdown before the lever was pulled and the lights on the 30ft giant tree and those around the Square came on.
There was a round of applause to mark the occasion and the tree looked stunning with thousands of gold lights.
FREE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Before the Lights Switch On there were lots of free activities for children, many stalls and a full programme on the music stage.
The music stage and the event was opened by the Mayor at 1pm followed by performances from Otter Morris, The Turning Tides Project Band, Etchechuria and Landscore and Hayward’s School Choirs.
The choirs concluded their performances with a joint performance of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
The Beatles cover band, The Beatnxs, played before and after the Switch On and there was a delightful Procession of Light in which children carried lovely lanterns.
The parade started in North Street as this year Market Street was full of food and drink stalls.
There was a fire engine, children could make Christmas decorations and Christmas cards.
Santa was in his grotto and children received free gifts.
Crediton Dairy, the event sponsor, gave away samples of flavoured milk and coffee.
There was a balloon artist and Jam Babies music sessions also took place.
There were a range of food and drink stalls, including vegan and gluten free food options.
SNOW
There was a photo booth and Rob Pudner took along his snow machine which children and adults alike enjoyed.
After the lights were switched on many people danced in the square to The Beatnxs tracks which concluded with “Hey Jude”.
The Christmas in Crediton event was organised by Crediton Town Council.
The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Cochran said: “It has been an absolutely magnificent afternoon for everyone.
“People have really enjoyed themselves and I would like to thank all the community groups who offered their time to make it such a success, especially The Turning Tides Project who ran the Jam Babies session, BAPS for providing the changing and feeding space for parents, Unique Sweets and Treats for giving the gifts for the children at Santa’s Grotto, Crediton Samba Band for joining the Procession of Light, teachers from Hayward’s and Landscore for rehearsing their pupils and bringing them to sing in the Choir.
“Also to the Lions and Morrisons for stewarding the event, and the Rugby Club for cleaning up.”
Mr Cochran thanked the hard working Crediton Town Council staff for all they did to help make it a success.
He thanked the electricians, Crediton Arts Centre, the sound system providers, those who put up the giant tree and Ernest Jackson and Co for sponsoring the tree.
He also thanked all the stallholders and other volunteers.
Mr Cochran announced that Lola and Louie were the winners of the Christmas card competition run by Crediton Town Council, their designs to be used for the Town Council Christmas cards.