
IT’S the big Christmas switch on in Melksham this Saturday and the town has high hopes that this year’s lights will be better than ever.
In recent years, Melksham has been praised for the quality of its Christmas lights with visitors saying they have been the best for miles around. And the dedicated team behind them are hoping this year will be no different.
“Our aim is to keep improving and we hope we’ve done that again this year,” said organiser Paul Weymouth. “Thanks to everyone who supports us and we hope everyone enjoys the lights.”
This year also sees Alex Goodhind’s Christmas lights return on Longford Road after a two-year break. His Christmas lights display on his home has received national media coverage and is used as a fundraiser for Dorothy House. With fellow residents in and around Longford Road, the spectacular displays draws people from miles around.
Christmas Fayre
Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule on Saturday, to attend the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights display and visit the Melksham Christmas Fayre.
A variety of festive entertainment will be on offer in the Market Place and Assembly Hall from 2.00pm until 5.00pm. The event begins at 2.00pm with stalls being hosted by local groups and volunteers. This year there will be over 70 stalls in the Assembly Hall with more outside, giving community groups the opportunity to raise much-needed funds.
Father Christmas himself will be coming through the town, arriving at the Town Hall at 2.00pm, where children can meet him.
Throughout the afternoon, there will be children’s rides and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, whilst the stalls will be open for lots of Christmas shopping opportunities.
Singing & switch on
Melksham Music and Drama (MMAD) will be singing in the Assembly Hall during the afternoon to promote their future productions. At about 4.15pm the Salvation Army Choir will be playing in the Market Place.
Mr Chuffy (the train) will be back again this year, giving children rides in the Market Place and Melksham’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 5.00pm.
“I can’t wait to see what the display will look like this year,” said Mayor of Melksham, cllr Terri Welch. “I’m sure the town will be lit up with a unique festive glow thanks to the team of dedicated volunteers, the Melksham Christmas Lights Group, who work tirelessly throughout November and the rest of the year to prepare and put up the lights around the town.”
For more information on the town’s display visit their webpage at www.melksham christmaslights.com; and for more information on the Longford Road lights visit www.facebook.com/Longford RoadChristmasLights.