Festive fun in full flow as lights switched on across Shropshire
The Christmas spirit was in full flow-ho-ho as thousands of people turned out to see festive lights being switched on in towns around Shropshire.
Thousands of people turned out to enjoy events in Newport, Shifnal, Madeley, Dawley, Newtown and Ellesmere last night.
In one of the biggest switch-on events in the county, about 2,000 people gathered in Shifnal in the rain to see Wolves legend Steve Bull do the honours.
They counted down from 10 with Bully before an array of lights lit up the High Street, where the fun continued until 9pm with 37 stalls, rides and an appearance from the cast of the pantomime at Oakengates Theatre.
Rachael Clarke, 40, from Shifnal, went to the lights with her husband Dave, one week old daughter Phoebe and her two-year-old son, JJ.
She said: "It's really good and even though JJ is a bit young to go on all the rides and things, we've had a look round the stalls and they are lovely."
Charlotte Causer, from Shifnal, said: "I have a massive family so we have all come down together."
Gavin Goodwin, who is from Sutton Hill but is stationed in the RAF in Suffolk, said: "I have driven 168 miles today to come here. We have come down with the family and enjoyed it."
Shifnal Town Council also put on a Christmas Market for the Friday night and Saturday with 37 stalls including Christmas Gifts and Food delights.
Suzie Broderick, Mayor of Shifnal said, "This year has been an amazing success and we have to thank all the volunteers who have worked so tirelessly and enthusiastically to bring this together. Feedback so far has been excellent."
In Newport a fun fair was held for the first time as the town's lights were switched on, an event that drew hundreds of people.
The rides where put on thanks to the help of town councillor Rodney Pitt, who wanted to give people something to do after the main event.
A similar event was held in Dawley High Street where the shops stayed open late for the switch-on, which was carried out by Telford MP David Wright, who grew up in Dawley.
Councillor Shaun Davies, chairman of Great Dawley Parish Council, said: "The event was great. There were 150 kids there and probably 500 or 600 people there in total and everyone was having a good time.
"The shops stayed open late so it had a really festive feel."
A Christmas market ran from 2pm in Madeley in Telford where the big switch-on took place at 6pm, with hundreds of people on hand to celebrate.
There were also fairground rides, carol singing, street dancers and Santa was on handing out special Christmas gifts.
Artifical snow was also sprinkled around the street to give the area more of a Christmassy feel. Mr Wright also turned on the lights at the Madeley event.
"Snow" fell on Ellesmere as hundreds of people packed into the town for its Winter Wonderland festival. A lantern parade, fireworks and artificial snow were among the highlights of the annual event, organised by the Rotary Club.
Among those who took part in the parade of lanterns, made at a workshop in the town, were 14-year-old Matthew Harvey and his mum, Diane.
Matthew carried his large boat lantern with mum holding the anchor.
"It is a brilliant night," Mrs Harvey said.
In Newtown, the streets were full of shoppers from 4pm for the start of the Kicking Off Christmas weekend, with stalls and entertainment in the streets.
The lights were switched on by Councillor Rina Clarke, town mayor and raffle prize winners, while Father Christmas also arrived in town. The event also included a fun fair, Christmas carols around the tree with Newtown Silver Band and live music from acts including Kirky and The Turkeys and the Djembata African Drummers.
