Last night saw a huge turnout in Brigg town centre to see the switching on of the Christmas illuminations, accompanied by late night shopping and the District Lions' Christmas fair.
Many believed it to be the best-attended 'switch on' they could remember, with loads of people staying in town until 9pm - or later (in the pubs).
From the stage erected in the Market Place, Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny was master of ceremonies, being accompanied by civic guests Coun Sue Armitage (Mayor of North Lincolnshire and ex-Brigg resident) and Brigg and Goole MP Ian Cawsey.
There was entertainment provided by cast members from the Civic Centre pantomime in Scunthorpe, with a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown to the switching on of the lights, again provided by Brigg Town Council and erected by Barrie Gray's Brigg-based electrical firm.
A nice touch was the bells being rung at St John's Church - and the vicar, Father Owain Mitchell, was at the event.
The stalls in the Market Place and Wrawby Street did very good business, and the evening again provided a welcome pre-Christmas boost for shops which stayed open late.
The weather was perfect - cold but dry - although a bit of snow would have added to the festive feel of the event. Better luck next year, perhaps.
Pictured above, in the yellow jacket, is Lions' president Heather Johnson, clearly enjoying the night - despite all the hard work involved for her and her team. Below are various views of the evening, including an on-stage presentation by the Town Mayor to some youngsters from the 3Bs youth project who had done well in a football competition.
Nige,
ReplyDeleteI was at the count-down switch on....you didn't take my pix!!!
Anyway, the count-down didn't work the first time, despite me shouting me heart out...10 - 9 - 8 -7 -6 -5 -4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - and nowt happened!!!!
It worked the second time ...so really we all counted from 20!!!
I was a bit disappointed at FC's appearance. From my vantage point, I could see him enter the Market Place from the Angel.
Dick Whittington, from the stage, was asking the crowd where he was. I was shouting - and was probably the only one, 'Behind you!'
All one could see of FC was a touch of red from his hat..the side of the stage hid him from view from the vast majority..and then he rapidly scurried off in the darkness towards the bridge..again hidden from most by the stage.
The poor little excited ankle-grippers couldn't see him and were left a little disappointed.