THE Melksham Christmas Lights Group wowed the crowds at the weekend with another show-stopping Christmas lights and fireworks display.
Thousands of people descended upon the Market Place for the annual event, and yet again, the display has been hailed as the ‘best in Wiltshire’ and the ‘best for miles around’.
This year the volunteer group had to overcome new rules introduced by Wiltshire Council about festive lighting, which threatened to curtail the display. But despite the setbacks, the group worked around the clock to deliver another spectacular display – attracting high praise from the community.
Local resident Fiona Manners, said, “Amazing once again. Melksham has the best lights for miles around. A massive thank you to Paul Weymouth and his happy band of volunteers.”
Heather Thomas added, “Amazing! Best around as usual. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Michelle Edser Brookes said, “Wonderful! The amount of ‘gasps’ in the town as the lights went on was lovely. Perfect!”
Liz Norris said, “Fantastic work done by all the volunteers who give up their time not only to put them all up, but taking them down after Christmas too. Well done!”
Speaking to Melksham News, mayor cllr Jon Hubbard said, “First and foremost, a couple of amazing thank yous – first to the Christmas Lights team who have yet again produced what I think are the best lights in Wiltshire. And a huge thank you to Sara Land and her team for putting on the Christmas Fayre in the Assembly Hall and the Market Place – a tremendous effort by them – just phenomenal.
“It was very different this year for me as I was on stage for the switch-on – it’s only when you are on the stage you realise just how many people come for this event – it was huge! It was a wonderful event and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves.
“We have so many new people moving into our town, and its events like this that offer an extended welcome to them – showing them what Melksham is all about – true community spirit and fellowship.”
Supported by cllr Hubbard, four Melksham youngsters helped to switch on the lights – 13-year old Elisha Kate Hargreaves, who won the ‘Outstanding Achiever’ award at this year’s Melksham Young People Awards; and siblings Sebastian O’Connell (aged 7), Eleanor O’Connell (aged 5) and Harriet O’Connell (aged 3).
Also on the day, crowds of people browsed stalls at the Christmas Fayre in the Assembly Hall and Market Place, whilst enjoying festive songs performed by Melksham Music and Drama.
One of the organisers of the fayre, Sarah Land, told Melksham News, “A big hank you to Emma from Young Melksham for helping the team. And also thank you to Alex Bolton and James Cantey, Bruce Burry and all the staff at the Assembly Hall, Melksham Town Council staff, and of course all the volunteers from Melksham Lights. Without all of their hard work, none of this would be possible.”
There were also fairground rides and games for children in the Market Place, visits to Santa’s grotto in the Town Hall and live music from local group The Decibelles, to bring the festivities to a close.
