Big switch-on is a real crowd pleaser (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Big switch-on is a real crowd pleaser

11:25am Thursday 30th November 2006 in News

Thousands of people packed Tewkesbury High Street to welcome Father Christmas as he switched on the town's illuminations.

He arrived in red double decker bus, accompanied by Dame Trott, from Jack in the Beanstalk, this year's pantomime at the Roses Theatre.

They stepped out at the town hall to a loud cheer and a flurry of specially arranged snowflakes.

They were then lifted high above the waiting crowd, to lead some spirited carol singing followed by a vocal count down to the big switch-on.

Their visit was the highlight of the Christmas Festival, which took over High Street on Sunday.

Local groups, charities and traders ran stalls and sideshows, with everything from a grotto, organised by the Little Foxes play group, to mince pies and mulled wine from the Battle Field Society. A puppet show, organised by members of Holy Trinity Church, proved a great attraction.

A grand raffle, set up by the Chamber of Commerce to help fund the event was a sell out, with organiser Margaret White selling 5,000 books of tickets.

It will be drawn at the farmers market on Saturday, December 9, and the winners will be contacted afterwards.

The first prize is a £100 voucher for the Tewkesbury branch of Marks and Spencer.

Chamber spokesman Nicki Philipson-Stow said: "It all went wonderfully well, and I am absolutely thrilled."