Kington transformed into a magical winter wonderland as the town switched on its Christmas lights.

Snow fell from the clock tower, Santa’s little helpers arrived on an illuminated steam engine and trailer complete with music and they were escorted by children’s favourite Disney characters, and there was a busy Santa’s grotto.

Santa’s little helpers were arranged by Pete and Perry Bayliss and they were raising money for St Michael’s Hospice.

Festive inflatables could be found at the Place De Marines and the fun also spread to the Market Hall and the Coach House.

Free wood-fired pizza slices, mice pies, hot chocolate and hot gin and tonics warmed up residents as they enjoyed the annual festive spectacle.

The town was filled with music as ETC from Llandrindod Wells played and led carol singing before and after the switch on.

Santa was kept busy in his grotto at the Coach House, kindly made by J and P Turner, talking to queues of youngsters who were keen to see the big man.

The town’s Christmas lights were then switched on by Kington’s post master Tim Allen.

He thanked Kington Town Council and the Chamber of Trade for asking him to switch on the lights.

He said; “It was a massive surprise and a great honour to be able to do so.” 

Tim took the opportunity to remind everyone about the last postage dates and he recruited all youngsters to help him with the countdown and shout Ho, Ho, Ho as the lights were switched on.

The event was organised by Kington Town Council and Kington Chamber of Trade.

Kington Chamber of Trade Chairman Emma Hancocks said: “What a truly magical evening. Thank you so much to everyone who came & supported our event. We are blown away by the amount of people who attended & we hope you all had a fantastic evening.

“A massive thank you to all the volunteers, M&S Pizzas, Border Bean, J & P Turners, Penrhos Spirits,Spar and the Bayliss Brothers.”

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