HUNDREDS turned out to see a shimmering and glistening Bradford on Avon for its Christmas lights switch on in Westbury Gardens on November 27.

Dame Trot, played by former EastEnders star Nick Wilton, from Jack and the Beanstalk at Bath’s Royal Theatre and poster competition winners Michaela, Bethany and Toby turned on the lights at 7pm much to the delight of the crowd.

The night involved children’s rides, carol singers, late night shopping, food, drink and a myriad of other entertainment.

“I have done a Christmas lights switch on before but not quite like this, it is wonderful and now with the lights on it’s even more gorgeous,” said Mr Wilton.

“It is a fantastic and very lively crowd. It is an absolute joy to come out and the rain has stopped which makes it even better. I would love to come back again if they invited me.”

For nearly 30 minutes, the Bath School of Samba, brought a carnival-like atmosphere to the town’s streets with their harmonious drumming.

“There were huge crowds following us which was brilliant. What keeps us going in the cold and rain is a night like this, there is such a good atmosphere and it looks fantastic,” said the group’s director Robbie Verrecchia.

Owner of the shop Tillions, in the Shambles, and one of the masterminds behind the entire event, Caroline Philpott, was delighted with how the night had turned out.

“An incredible amount of planning went into this and it looks to have paid off luckily. It is the first time we have had someone switch on the lights in costume and people loved it and we have been really busy in the shop too,” she said.

Youngsters thronged the streets to queue for Santa’s Grotto, with more than 150 ‘magic’ wands being given to children in Bull Pit.

“It is great fun. Making children happy at Christmas is what it is all about,” said Santa Claus. “Very few have asked for high tech gadgets which is good to hear. One kid couldn’t say a word but when she got her magic wand, her face lit up like a Belisha beacon.”

“Santa has been kept extremely busy tonight,” said Barbara Miller of the Bradford on Avon Rotary Club. “It was absolutely packed. The kids are bewildered but loving every minute and having a wonderful time. It is just a joy to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

See the switch on here: https://twitter.com/RichieMills2/status/670319687402696704/video/1