Crowds of spectators turned out to watch Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis switch on Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights on Saturday (November 23rd).
A special day of festive community entertainment was organised by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and held in Victoria Street alongside stalls and fair rides.
Those who performed on stage before the Christmas lights switch-on included St Andrew’s School, Lisa Jane School of Dance, Siobhan Johnson, Mudlarks community choir, Brent Knoll School Choir, local singers Leah Norton, Scarlett Newitt and Aleshia Cheeseman, Brent Knoll School, Coastline Singers, local X-Factor star Kezia Povey, ‘Amy Outhouse’, Burnham and Highbridge Town Band, Burnham-On-Sea Rock Choir and Dusica Roberts.
After a countdown to the switch-on of the Christmas lights display, the crowd of spectators was treated to a brief flurry of ‘snow’ from the stage!
The Christmas lights were formally switched on for the festive season by Michael Eavis, accompanied by Mayor Andy Brewer, Town Crier Alistair Murray, Sedgemoor Chairman Pete Clayton and Carnival Queen Jessica Smith.
Father Christmas also arrived during the afternoon on a land train, organised by Burnham Lions Club, pictured above, to hand out free surprises and meet families in a grotto.
Michael Eavis told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I was delighted to be invited along to switch on Burnham’s Christmas lights – it was great to receive such a warm welcome and to see everyone in a festive mood!”
Families were also able to meet Christmas donkeys, plus fairground rides and attractions. Festive stalls were also set up, adding 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, which supported the event, was thanked alongside the Chamber’s organisers Deryk Monaghan, Matt Scott, Mark Newman, John Edwards, Kay Haines, Simon Curtis, Geoff Lewis and Rhonda Mills, plus Brad Loveridge from Silver Spur Events, electrician Dan Hurden, MC Dave Englefield from Sedgemoor FM, Burnham Lions, Phil New from Burnham Carnival, The Victoria, Ritz Social Club and Keedwells.
A Burnham Chamber of Trade spokesman added: “We thank everyone who helped to make the 2019 Christmas lights switch-on such a great success.”
“We were delighted that such a big turnout 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.”
