TOWN council members in Holsworthy really pulled out all the stops this year to create the best Christmas lights switch on event yet.

On Friday, December 1, the Square was a buzz with activity as visitors mixed with locals, Santa Claus and even reindeer.

A Christmas market was also held and on the night many of the shops joined in the fun and stayed open late — the shop owners were heard to say they all ‘had a great evening’.

Although it did not actually snow, there was a ‘human size snow globe’ for people to have their photograph taken in.

There was also a chance for the younger ones to visit Santa in his ‘Grotto’, which was supported by the Holsworthy Rotary Club — who acted as ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’, assisting Santa in distributing close to 200 presents to the children of Holsworthy and its surrounding area.

This year the light’s were switched on by former Britain’s Got Talent star Josh Curnow, who had a little help from some local children. The fun was accompanied by carols, which were sung by pupils from Holsworthy Primary School accompanied by the Town Band.

Speaking about the event, mayor of Holsworthy Jon Hutchings said: “What a fantastic night we had. It’s the one event of the year that the town council put on for the community. To stand on the stage and see the Square full of people from top to bottom makes all the effort worthwhile.

“Our new addition for this year was the 18ft human snow globe — and what an addition. People queued all night to get in it!

“The highlight for me was hearing the Holsworthy Town Band and over 50 children from the Holsworthy Primary School singing some festive tunes and carols.”

Cllr Hutchings said the worst part for him was the count down.

He explained: “The worst part of the evening for me is the ten second count down for the actual switch on of the lights, when my heart stops beating and everything is crossed that the lights do actually turn on! Thankfully the plunger was pushed by some local children and our special guest Josh Curnow and the lights all came on!”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make the switch on event for Holsworthy such a great success. Now final plans are being made for our ‘Carols around the trees’ on Christmas Eve — a nice relaxed afternoon just before the big day. There will be free cakes and mulled wine along with some small gifts for the children provided by the town council, Holsworthy Lions and Holsworthy Rotary Club. Join in with us from 4pm in the Square.”