THE festive season officially starts this weekend with one of the town’s biggest events – the Christmas lights switch-on.
This Saturday, 7th December, thousands of people will flock to the Market Place to find out what the Melksham Christmas Lights volunteers have in store this year.
With previous displays hailed as the ‘best in the west’, hopes are high for another dazzling lights display in the Market Place and around the town.
This year, the volunteer group has had to overcome new rules introduced by Wiltshire Council about festive lighting, which threatened to disrupt this year’s display. But despite the setbacks, the group are promising another display to remember.
Paul Weymouth from the Melksham Christmas Lights Group said, “The volunteers have been working hard throughout the town centre to get ready for the switch-on. We have been under pressure because of the new rules, but this year’s display will be the best that it can be.”
The switch-on and fireworks display is scheduled for 5pm.
Before the big Christmas lights reveal, revellers can enjoy the annual Christmas Fayre from 2pm. There will be a variety of stalls including gifts, handicrafts, tombolas and raffles, food and games, located in the Assembly Hall and Market Place. Santa will also be in his grotto at the Town Hall, ready to meet the children of Melksham.
One of the organisers of the fayre, Sarah Land says, “There’s something for everyone this year! We have lots of new stalls this year – perfect for you to find that special Christmas gift for your friends and family. There will be stalls selling jewellery, flower arrangements and wreaths, cakes, and a variety of beeswax products like soaps and candles.
“Lots of local groups and organisations will also be at the fayre – as always, the Lions and Rotary clubs will be there, and this year Dorothy House, Melksham in Bloom, Wiltshire Wildlife, and Happy Circle will be joining in with the festive fun.
“There will also be plenty of food and drink on offer, and new this year are a deluxe hot chocolate and doughnut stall, and a fudge and nougat stall, which are sure to be a big hit with anyone who has a sweet tooth! Drinks will be on sale from the Assembly Hall bar, and in the Market Place, Core Church will be serving mulled wine. Whilst out in the Market Place, there will be pizzas, burgers, popcorn, candyfloss, sweets and hot drinks on sale.”
To keep the crowds entertained, there will be performances from Melksham Music and Drama in the Assembly Hall. In the Market Place, local band, The Decibelles, will be performing and there will be fairground rides, games and stalls.
The festive fun starts at 2pm when Father Christmas, officially open the fayre. The fayre will be open until 6.30pm, closing briefly at 5pm for the Christmas lights switch-on. There will be road closures in the town centre from 4pm.
