Bad weather did not put off Whitchurch residents from seeing the town’s Christmas lights switched on and festive celebrations.

Storm Burt was not enough to dampen the festive celebrations in Whitchurch on Saturday, November 23, as crowds turned out in force to see the annual Christmas lights switch on.

Whitchurch Mayor Andy Hall said the event went “fantastically well” despite the rough weather, with the council moving their arrangements around to make sure market stalls and entertainment could still go ahead.

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Cllr Hall said: “It went fantastically well. It was a great event despite some of the challenges of the weather.

“We were hit by Storm Burt on the day of the switch on, so we had to cancel some of our plans like the outdoor market. It was a difficult decision but one that sadly had to be made when faced with strong rain and wind.

(Image: Whitchurch Town Council) (Image: Whitchurch Town Council)

“But we adapted, we moved the market stalls inside our market hall, as well as the entertainment so people could still be treated to music during the event.”

The entertainment included Whitchurch Brass Band and Whitchurch Singers, as well as the band Electric Reflex who took to the town’s High Street Stage once the rain and wind had died down.

(Image: Whitchurch Town Council) (Image: Whitchurch Town Council)

The lights themselves were switched on at 5pm. The 2024 Whitchurch Citizen of the Year, which received over 800 votes, Dave Simcock was picked to switch on the lights, having been nominated for his work through The Rotary Club of Whitchurch and the annual prostate cancer screening activity.

While Mr Simcock could not be at the event, he was “well represented” by family members who helped Cllr Hall switch on the 2024 Christmas lights.

Cllr Hall added: “We had a great turnout, with loads of people enjoying the event. We were genuinely humbled by how many people still turned up in bad weather.

(Image: Whitchurch Town Council) (Image: Whitchurch Town Council)

“I know that some councils were forced to cancel their arrangements entirely because of the storm, but in Whitchurch I guess we’re just a bit more stoic and still tried to make the best of a wet and windy day.

“I’d like to say thanks to the staff and volunteers who worked extra hard to make sure the event still went ahead and for the people of Whitchurch for coming out to support all that hard work.”