WELLINGTON’S Christmas lights were officially switched on before a big festive crowd on Saturday evening.

Wellington Majorettes opened proceedings when they led Father Christmas on his sleigh through South Street to his grotto in the WWN’s offices at 4pm and followed this with a performance in the town centre.

Churches Together launched the sheep spotting trail now taking place in many of the town’s shops until December 22. The double decker Playbus was very popular and free, courtesy of the town council, for young children.

Wellington Pantomime Group’s cast of ‘Hercules’ sang songs from the show and Christmas numbers.

Reminiscence Learning’s Mascot Archie took to the stage to talk about the charity’s work in the town and Wellington One Team had a stand.

Pepperpot, winner of the Wellington Christmas shop display competition, was presented with a shield by Terry Sanford, of Wellington Experience, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Wellington, Cllr Gary James and Bee James.

Bob House from the Street Pastors and PCSO Louise Fyne took to the stage to talk about their love of the town and the work being done in the community.

Wellesley Park Primary School Choir in festive dress sang Christmas songs in the lead-up to the switch-on. The Rev Tim Pottage gave the Christmas Message, marking the start of advent.

The new lights throughout the town, including those on The Iron Duke, all provided by the town council, proved very popular.  Patryk Wolski and Asha Latifi from Beech Grove Primary School turned on the lights with the Mayor and Mayoress.

The town centre tree was donated once again by Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm and the stage was lent by farmer Ken Coles, a long-time supporter of the event.