Crowds of spectators turned out to watch Somerset-based TV presenter Martin Roberts, from BBC1’s ‘Homes under the Hammer’, and local author Damien Boyd switch on Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights on Saturday (November 24th).
A special day of festive community entertainment was organised by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade, and held in Victoria Street alongside a Christmas market and fair rides.
Those who performed on stage before the Christmas lights switch-on included St Andrew’s School, Lisa Jane School of Dance, Mudlarks community choir, Brent Knoll School Choir, local singers Leah Norton, Emily Thomas, Dennis Salmon, Becky Hewlitt, Burnham and Highbridge Town Band, Dusica Roberts, and the Coastline Singers.
Father Christmas also arrived on a land train, organised by Burnham Lions, to hand out free surprises and meet families in a grotto.
The Christmas lights were formally switched on for the festive season by Martin Roberts and Damien Boyd, accompanied by Mayor Bill Hancock, Mayoress Francess Hancock, Town Crier Alistair Murray, Carnival Queen Niah Vall.
Martin told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I was delighted to be invited along to switch on Burnham’s Christmas lights. It was wonderful to receive such a warm welcome and to see everyone in a festive mood!”
Families were also able to enjoy free Christmas donkey rides, plus fairground rides and attractions. Festive stalls were also set up to add to the atmosphere.
Organisers at Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce thanked all those who had attended and helped to make the event a success.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, who part-funded the event, were thanked alongside the Chamber’s Deryk Monaghan, Kay Haines, Matt Scott, Bev Milner Simmonds, Mark Newman, Alex Turco, Rhonda Mills, Phil Hemming and Mark Leeson, plus MC Dave Englefield from Sedgemoor FM, Burnham Lions, Burnham Carnival Committee, The Victoria, Ritz Social Club, GC Music and Keedwells.
A Burnham Chamber of Trade spokesman added: “We thank everyone who helped to make the 2018 lights switch-on such a success.”
“We were delighted that such a great number of spectators supported the event, getting Burnham’s celebrations get off to a fantastic start.”
“We urge local shoppers to support Burnham’s town centre shops in the run-up to Christmas this year.”
Also see:
What’s on in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge
