Shrewsbury glows as Christmas lights switched on
By Catherine Ferris Thousands of people flocked to Shrewsbury for the switch-on of the Christmas lights – as the county town was officially declared open for the festive period.
The town's Christmas lights were switched on last night heralding the start of the late night shopping in the town centre as the festive season gets in to full swing.
The Christmas Cracker ceremony featured a colourful lantern parade which snaked its way through The Riverside Shopping Centre and down Pride Hill.
John Hall, from traders group Shop in the Loop, who helped to organise the event, said business owners were expecting the tills to start jingling following last night's Christmas showcase.
He said: "We are expecting a big boost in trade and we are ready for it."
Mr Hall said it was not yet known how much cash had been generated from last night's Christmas extravaganza – but he said the town was swarming with shoppers.
The rain held-off and there was plenty to keep the crowds entertained as brass bands, musical acts and choirs took to the streets to get shoppers in the Christmas spirit.
Revellers took part in a lantern parade through the town, led by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Keith Roberts, and town crier Martin Wood.
The procession culminated in The Square at 7pm, as hundreds of people joined Mr Wood to countdown to the launch of the Christmas lights.
Late night shopping in Shrewsbury takes place every Wednesday from 5pm until 8pm until December 19.
Meanwhile, in the Darwin Shopping Centre hundreds of people took part in this year's Tree of Light ceremony.
Each year members of the public are encouraged to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of loved ones.
The appeal is organised by the rotary clubs of Shawbury and mid Shropshire and raised around £6,500 for charity last year.
