FAMILIES turned out in force for the Christmas lights switch-on event on a cold Saturday evening in Wellington.

Hundreds of people saw Mayor of Wellington Cllr Janet Lloyd turn on the lights with Wellesley Park Primary School, Wellington, pupils Theo Jennings and Kelsey Ellerington.

BBC Radio Somerset presenter Claire Carter, who compered the event, led the ten-second countdown to the switch-on as the crowd waved glow sticks.

Father Christmas had earlier arrived in town in Andy Grabham’s 1935 Austin 7 Arrow, escorted by Wellington Majorettes.

He headed to his Grotto in the WWN’s offices in High Street where youngsters and their parents queued to meet him.

Two hours of free entertainment was laid on in the event organised by Wellington Town Council.

Members of Wellington Pantomime Group performed songs from their forthcoming production of Dick Whittington and Christmas songs, and children from Wellington Prep School sang Christmas carols on a trailer lent by local farmer Ken Coles set up outside the old post office.

Wellington Majorettes also performed and the Peace Garden behind the Quaker Meeting House, illuminated by candles, welcomed visitors.

Claire Carter interviewed on stage Fiona Mahoney, chief executive of Reminiscence Learning, about the Wellington-based dementia charity’s work, and Emma Jones from the National Trust about the Wellington Monument restoration project.

The Mayor launched the shop window display competition and Isabel Ward the annual Sheep Trail for children running in local shops.

Bob House, pastor of Rockwell Green Christian Fellowship, gave the Christmas message.

The Austin 7 Arrow parked in the High Street was much admired by visitors, youngsters had a great time on the free to use mini-roundabout and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Mark Lithgow handed out mince pies.