THREE, two, one...pause…the town of Holsworthy breathed a huge sigh of relief followed by tremendous cheers of joy as it, quite literally, lit up like a Christmas tree — after only a couple nerve-racking seconds’ delay.

The town’s official Christmas Lights Switch On and late night shopping event on Saturday, November 30 was a huge success as once again thousands of people filled the Square.

Visitors were kept entertained all evening by the variety of Christmas stalls, fairground rides and festive cheer on offer. Music acts once again graced the main stage including a Michael Bublé tribute act and carol singing from the local primary school children — or for those seeking some shelter from the chill, there was a variety of craft stalls to peruse in the Memorial Hall.

Getting into the Christmas spirit people could get a photograph in the giant snowglobe or even visit Santa and some real reindeer. And, if one Santa wasn’t enough, a whole gaggle of them soon appeared, ready to take on the Lions’ ‘Santa Run’ in aid of local Lions charities.

Cllr Jon Hutchings, who organised the switch-on event this year on behalf of the town council, said: “After such a huge amount of work that goes into an event which only lasts a few hours it is always fantastic to see the event being supported by so many people. The Square was full and there was such a great buzz around the town.

“There has been some great feedback from traders in the town which is always good to hear. I think changing the switch on day from a Friday to a Saturday was a huge success judging by the numbers of people.”

During the evening Megan Stone and Liam Burness were picked from the crowd and welcomed on stage to assist the Mayor Cllr Jo Heaven and Pretty Maid Harriet Cousins with the great honour of switching on the town’s lights.

Cllr Hutchings said: “It’s always an added bonus when the lights do actually all come on when they should! There may have been a couple of seconds delay, which does send the heart racing, but all lite up I think the town looks really festive.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone involved from the preparations months ago to the final pack up on the night. By Sunday morning you would never have known we had had thousands of people in the town Square. Happy Christmas!”

Following the switch on Cllr Heaven told the Post: “Holsworthy switch on, on Saturday night, was a fantastic community event, with great community spirit.

“I would like to give a big thanks to Jon Hutchings for organising this year’s event. A great job well done. Also all the volunteers councillors and staff for all their hard work and time, making the switch on a big success.

“I would also like to thank all local businesses which stayed open and all the stall holders and entertainers who made this event come to life. Again the best bit of the night for me were the primary school children singing.”