Melksham’s Christmas celebrations are in full swing, undeterred by a stormy start. From festive events to charity initiatives, the town’s community spirit – and its brilliant Christmas lights – remain as bright as ever.
Melksham’s lights still the best around despite stormy set-back
Melksham’s Christmas lights are once again proving they’re the best around, undeterred by Storm Darragh, which forced the cancellation of the town’s traditional switch-on event last Saturday.
Residents were still able to enjoy the switch-on, thanks to a live stream by Melksham News, which attracted thousands of live viewers and has since amassed over 27,000 views. This year also saw the return of the digital talking Christmas tree, which counted down to the big moment.
Teenager Ciara Cottle, who underwent a life-saving heart transplant earlier this year, had the honour of turning on the lights in a low-key event after residents were advised against attending due to strong winds.
Now lighting up the town for residents to enjoy, the lights were organised and installed by Light Fantastic and volunteers from the Melksham Christmas Lights Group.
Mayor Tom Price said, “Year after year, Melksham’s Christmas lights continue to be the best around. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved showcase our incredible community spirit. Christmas in Melksham is officially here – head into town and see the magic for yourself!”
Picture: Ciara Cottle, Mayor Tom Price, Dep Mayor and Xmas Lights team
Sarum Avenue lights
shine bright for charity
Residents can also enjoy the festive lights at Sarum Avenue, where the Christmas display is in full swing following its switch-on by TV antiques star Paul Martin.
The event, raising funds for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity, features a stunning light display and added attractions like a nearly full-sized air ambulance, Santa’s sleigh and grotto, snow machines, and a prize raffle house. The raffle and grotto are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5.30pm, with donations going to the charity.
Pictured: Sarum Avenue volunteers
Community support this Christmas
While the town celebrates, local groups are making sure no one is left behind this festive season.
Melksham’s Food Bank showed the town’s true community spirit by hosting a Christmas meal for over 100 people at the Baptist Church on Sunday 8th December.
A Christmas roast is also planned for Sunday, 15th December, organised by former chair of Melksham Community Meals, Sue Mortimer, and Sarah Thompson from Melksham Community Support Service.
Other support includes a new charity, Christmas Cheer, which will be supplying Christmas meal hampers to families in need, and a toy drive organised by the charity Friends of Giffords Surge
Pictured: Melksham groups spread festive cheer Melksham food bank
Festive events to enjoy this December
There’s still time to soak up the Christmas spirit in Melksham, with a host of festive events lined up. Highlights include carols around the Christmas tree in the Market Place on Wednesday 13th December and a Christmas Eve celebration at the community larder. Churches across the town will also hold special services throughout the festive period.
