LAST Friday evening saw Launceston’s Christmas lights switched on to a huge crowd.

The carnival royalty did the honours to a mass countdown and to huge cheers and applause from the sea of faces that surrounded the town square.

On the night, the St Stephens Community Academy Samba band joined together with other local schools to lead the Christmas procession and play at the turning on of the Christmas lights. Headteacher Maura Furber said: “The children played amazingly as usual and really led the festivities with enthusiasm and great co-operation. Many thanks to the wonderful Mrs Gilbert for organising and co-coordinating the event and all the fabulous parent helpers who support the band on a regular basis. It’s beginning to feel like Christmas!”

The event was a great success all round with everyone enjoying the chance to test their balance in the skating rink or get some early Christmas shopping done at the many market stalls available as well as the wide variety of other entertainment co-ordinated by the town council.

Following the night, mayor of Launceston Cllr Dave Gordon told the Post: “This year’s Christmas Lights Switch On event was organised by a town council working group, and from our perspective we were absolutely delighted with the outcome. The weather was in our favour and everyone I spoke to said what a great event it was. There was children’s rides, Christmas themed market stalls and a skating rink, and all this along with the traditional St Mary’s Christmas tree festival and late night shopping, saw Launceston town centre the busiest I have seen it for a long time, and we are truly grateful to everyone who supported the event.

“Thanks must go to all the local businesses who supported us, and the town council staff who worked so hard until the late evening clearing everything away.”

Annette Baskerville-Smith, Launceston Chamber of Commerce chair, said: “From what I saw everybody was having a great time. The shops and the community all came together. The town council did the town proud by all the different events and the co-ordination that took place.”

The chamber was fundraising on the night in order to pay for extra activities on the forthcoming late night shopping nights — December 6, 13 and 20. Over £300 was raised.

Tomorrow (Friday) there will be entertainment from the Pop Choir and Launceston Town Band. There will be some mischievous elves about and an appearance from the Mirror Men.

There will be more activities on December 13 and an even bigger event on December 20 — watch this space for more details!