THE festive season got off to a shining start in Holsworthy, despite there being a momentary glitch the morning after, as the town’s lights were switched on.

The light switch-on event held in the Square on Friday, November 30, was said to be the best ever with one of the largest turnouts the event has seen to date.

The honours were carried out by Kate Dawson who did the town proud and switched on the lights.

She was helped by members of the group, ‘The Holsworthy Mafia’.

Mayor Cllr Jon Hutchings expressed his thanks to those who helped make the event such a success.

“A special thank you to councillors Jo Heaven, Keith Musker, Colin Punter, Ken Watson and Mick Stanton, the town council staff Vanessa Saunders, Kerry Wilcox and George Wilcox. Also Valerie Mardell, Tammy Hutchings and Karl Heaven. It was a long day but all worth the effort when the community come together and support it.

“Also thanks to all the amazing traders that turned out for our event. We hope you enjoyed the event.”

On the night there was a multitude of activities to choose from, including a snow globe, a festive market and even the chance to meet a real reindeer, and not forgetting Father Christmas.

“There was also entertainment a plenty from festive stilt walkers in their beautiful costumes to live music from various artists.

Cllr Hutchings added: “Yet again we were blessed with pretty good weather with only a couple of hours. Apparently I have some agreement with the man up there as we seem to have missed the worst of the weather by a matter of hours at all our events this year!”

And indeed they did. However, the following morning after the night’s tumultuous weather it was noticed that the lights had gone out.

Cllr Hutchings quickly got on the case and within a matter of hours the lights were back on and are hoped to stay that way through the festive period.