TOWN councillors in Westbury have approved plans to spend more than £37,000 on this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities.

At their full council meeting on July 1, they voted to spend £18,650 on the town’s Christmas in Westbury event, including £14,700 on the Christmas lights display.

A further £18,600 will be spent on staff salaries during the year to organise the activities being planned.

The full council approved a recommendation from the council’s policy and resources committee to confirm agreement for the Events Working Group to spend the funds on the Christmas event.

The amounts were previously agreed in the council’s budget for 2019/20 but the P&R committee said: “The anticipation, and plan, is to spend considerably less than the £18,650 allocated for the event production.”

Cllr Mike Sutton, Westbury's mayor, said: "Last year's event was a great success and we are hoping this year's event will be certainly no less than last year."

Last year’s Christmas in Westbury was generally acknowledged to be one of the most successful and best-attended festive events the council has ever organised.

This year, the council is planning activities from 4pm to 8pm, including a street market during the afternoon.

There will also be live entertainment from local groups and other performers, walking attractions including Father Christmas, as well as the Christmas lights switch-on and a special video of festive good wishes.

It is expected to organise seasonal activities in the Market Place, Westbury High Street, Maristow Street, The Parish Hall and All Saints Church.