Record crowds join fun as Bridgnorth lit up for Christmas

Bridgnorth was brimming with revellers after its annual event was expanded to include Northgate, High Street and into West Castle Street.

"I've never seen so many people in the town and the community spirit was great," said Anne Wilson, clerk of Bridgnorth Town Council, which organised the festivities.

The fun was kicked-off by 10-year-old Ethan Ashwood who did the honours in lighting up the town with colourful decorations.

The St Leonard's School pupil won a design competition and saw his imaginative idea transformed into a metal frame with fluorescent lights, which became one of the centrepieces of the switch-on event. The lights, which were put up by Lightwire Electrical Ltd of Billingsley, were turned on by the Year 5 pupil at 6pm.

Santa flew in with his reindeer to greet excited children and a snow queen brought a touch of winter wonderland.

The High Street, Whitburn Street and West Castle Street were closed to traffic to allow stalls selling seasonal goods to line the road.

A funfair filled High Street and local talent provided the soundtrack for the evening from the main stage next to the town hall.

Families mingled across West Castle Street where they took in the sights and smells of the festive fayre.

Ms Wilson said that thanks to LED bulbs the lighting bill was small compared to three years ago.

Later revellers took to Facebook to express their joy at the successful night.

Sally McGill wrote: "We had a fabulous evening and I was amazed to see so many people in town. It's nice to see the Christmas spirit taking off, well done to all the traders. We had a great night."

And Helen Rutter said: "Lovely evening and what a lovely Christmas atmosphere."

Jana Tareen posted: "It was amazing. The best event I have been to in a long time. Lots of new things and I adored the Snow Queen."

The lights will now shine between 3pm and midnight – and will stay on slightly later on the nights of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.