SELF-isolating Father Christmas used some Christmas magic and the help of people watching on social media to switch on the lights on the magnificent Christmas tree in Crediton’s Town Square this evening.

In addition, with the help of the public, he also switched on impressive lights around the Square and at St Lawrence Green.

In his speech, Father Christmas said: "Firstly, I wanted to start by saying thank you. This year has been difficult in lots of ways and you have all adapted to these changes wonderfully so well done! 

"Also a huge thank you to our keyworkers for all that you have done, your hard work and dedication is hugely appreciated. 

"I know that some of you have been worried about how Christmas will work this year. I just wanted to reassure you that I am a keyworker and will ensure that I am able to deliver your gifts safely on Christmas Eve. 

"To be extra safe, I am currently isolating to make sure that I am fit and well and ready for a busy few weeks ahead - BUT with your help and my Christmas magic I can turn on the beautiful Christmas lighting for you in Crediton this evening. 

"Merry Christmas to you all, stay safe and take care. 

"Lets do a countdown together and spread some Christmas cheer…10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."

NO PUBLIC EVENT

Social distancing restrictions meant that there was sadly no live public Switch-On in Crediton’s Town Square as per normal, but there was plenty for people to watch on-line.

On the Christmas in Crediton Facebook page the programme included:

3.30pm - Sunflowers Nursery Singing Video

4pm - Hayward’s School Singing Video

4.30pm - Landscore Primary School Singing Video

5pm - Hattastic Competition Winners Announced by Crediton Town Crier Kevin Payne 

5.30pm - Message from Father Christmas and Virtual Lights Switch-On.

The lights and on-line event were organised by the Crediton Town Council Christmas in Crediton sub-committee.

The committee invited people to enjoy the videos and Virtual Lights Switch-On via social media, from their armchairs at home.

In a statement the committee said: "We know just how much people in the town enjoy the Christmas lights, please enjoy them this year safely and within guidelines. We really hope they make you smile."

The committee added: "You may have noticed the absence of the Christmas trees through the High Street this year, well the good news with the lockdown changes mean that we will be able to put these up (just a little later than usual!)

"The wonderful volunteers at The Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface, along with our marvellous electrician Jo Ward, will be putting these up next weekend and lighting both these and the beautiful stars along the High Street.

"This year has been full of challenges for us all and we really hope that the familiarity of Christmas in the town has put a little festive spring in your step!

"A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers, without them none of this would be possible."

HATTASTIC

The Hattastic competition has involved children from across the Crediton area making or designing a new hat for Santa.

Some of the entries of the competition can now be seen in the Crediton High Street shop windows of the premises, formerly Kathea and also at the premises which was formerly Town and Country, by kind permission of the shop owners.

Chairman of the Christmas in Crediton committee, Town Councillor Liz Brookes-Hocking, said: "Thanks to everyone coming together each year we have been able to organise fantastic lighting displays.

SHOP LOCALLY

"We have co-ordinated the town Christmas lighting for many years to encourage people to shop locally for their Christmas presents each year.

"This is why we normally hold our Switch-On event at the end of November to give people time to visit our valued traders for all their present shopping.

"Last year we put up 130 trees and stars in the High Street and in other areas.

"Normally we have asked our traders for a contribution towards our lighting fund but thankfully, due to savings from paying for the parade and from the due diligence of the committee, and because of the generosity of a few sponsors, I am pleased to say traders taking part in our scheme will not this year be asked to make a contribution.

"We hope that this saving will be a big boost for our traders and help sustain them at this critical time."