Big crowds of spectators turned out to watch ITV West weatherman Bob Crampton and VIPs switch on Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights on Saturday evening.
The event, organised by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce, was held in Victoria Street and was preceded by an afternoon of live entertainment and family attractions.
There were superb festive performances on the stage from Lisa Jane School of Dance, the Mudlarks, St Andrew’s School Choir, Cllr Paul Young, Brent Knoll School Choir, Coastline Singers, St Joseph’s School Choir and Burnham On Song.
The Christmas lights were then switched on by TV weatherman Bob Crampton alongside Burnham’s MP James Heappey, Mayor & Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke, Carnival Queen Hannah Sainsbury and Burnham postman Mark Penfold who has raised an incredible £65,000 for charity this year, as featured here.
Father Christmas also dropped in during the day, arriving on a specially-made train with the help of Burnham Lions.
And a number of Town Centre shops and cafes also stayed open later in the evening so shoppers could begin their festive shopping, accompanied by festive tunes from Burnham and Highbridge Town Band in the High Street.
A busking hip-hop Santa Claus, King Alfred Concert Band and visits from Festive Foxey and a walkabout juggling elf added to the town centre festive fun!
Organisers at Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce thanked all those who’d taken part and helped. Among them were the Town Council, who funded the event, Sedgemoor District Council for free parking across Burnham after 4pm, and the various groups and individuals who performed on stage and the traders who attended.
Others who were thanked included the Chamber’s Alex Turco, Deryk Monaghan, Mark Newman, Kay Haines, Keith Elliott, Rhonda Mills and Phil Hemming plus Ian Burrage, Burnham Lions, Burnham Carnival Committee, Rob Davey Electricals, Martin and Dee Lloyd at The Victoria, GC Music, plus Bev Milner Simonds, Positive Wealth Creation, Keedwells, BARB, the Police and the Fire Service.
Graham Cook from GC Sound and Light was also specially thanked for his work on the sound and music system through the day.
A Chamber of Trade spokesman added: “We thank everyone who helped to make the event such a success. We are delighted that such a great number of spectators turned out to watch Burnham’s Christmas celebrations get off to a fantastic start!”
