It is said that Christmas is for children and it was children and young people who lit up the town’s celebration of the official run-up to Christmas at the weekend.
Wellington’s big switch-on of the Christmas illuminations was preceded by a High Street party with Majorettes and music from Beech Grove Primary School choir – decorated in twinkling tinsel – and young members of Wellington Pantomime Group. Puss in Boots led the proceedings on the stage and Father Christmas was kept very busy in his Grotto in the Wellington Weekly News office.
Shops stayed open late for the event which coincided with Small Business Saturday and a fine – if chilly – evening tempted big crowds to fill the centre of the town. The Quaker Meeting House’s Celebration of Light and the Peace Garden was, once again, a delight lit by candles and a bright crescent moon.
Wellington District Team Vicar and Missioner The Rev Selina Garner introduced the Churches Together Christmas Sheep Competition and orchestrated the children’s charming retelling of the Christmas message.
At 6pm Rockwell Green Primary School’s Head Boy and Girl, James King and Briony Sellick, helped Wellington Mayor Bob Bowrah to press the big red button to summon the town’s lights. The giant Christmas tree was donated by Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm for the 10th year running. The same farm also provided trees for Taunton and Wiveliscombe town centres.