CHARD celebrated the start of the festive season with its Christmas lights switch-on event last weekend.

The event took place on Saturday, November 26, and a member of the Chard Town Team, the organiser, previously said the switch-on was going to be “the biggest display so far”.

 

Residents and visitors could enjoy a Christmas market – from noon to 8pm - stalls, and see Santa in his grotto.

There were also other activities and entertainment.

Cllr Jason Baker and Cllr Garry Shortland of Chard Town Team said Saturday night switch on was the final piece of the jigsaw.

They said: “We started repairing and testing the lights about 6 weeks ago so that they were all ready to go up.

“We worked alongside Encore Electrical again this year to put the lights across the streets and lamp posts, then the Town Team put up the rest of the display around the town to add the finishing touches.

“We have added a couple of new lights and now have a Christmas Tree on the junction of Holyrood Street which people have been asking for some time to have.

“Unfortunately the weather was not on our side but we were amazed by how many people turned out to watch the lights switch on, it just goes to show what an amazing community spirit we have in Chard.

“We were joined by the amazing Chard Evolution Majorettes who performed for us and were closely followed by The Mini Town Crier, The Mayor, and of course Father Christmas on his sleigh.

“The lights were switched on by Chard Carnival royalty, The Mayor, and Father Christmas. We would like to thank Chard Carnival and its volunteers for marshalling the road closures and for their support.

“Chard carnival Committee will be taking Father Christmas around Chard and the surrounding villages to see everyone over the coming weeks.”

The gallery above shows some photos from the event.