HUNDREDS of people came together in Abbotswood to celebrate the town's Christmas festivities.

The event attracted over 300 people who enjoyed a day of Christmas celebrations and the switch on of the town’s Christmas tree lights on the green.

The event took place on Saturday, November 29 from 4.30pm and visitors included Steve Webb MP, Ed Davey, the minister for energy and climate change and Father Christmas himself who was transported by the local police beat team to give sweets to the children.

Pupils from Abbotswood School sang carols and Christmas songs, and then after a countdown, Father Christmas, Mr Davey and the chairman of Abbotswood Action Group, Mary Wright, switched on the Christmas tree lights.

Miss Wright said: “This was the first time such an event has been so successful, following an equally successful Apple Day in September thanks to the support of the Jacob’s Well group, and it is hoped that the community spirit engendered by both events will inspire further great events in the precinct.”

Chipping Sodbury Glass provided an opportunity to inscribe CD discs and make decorations to hang on the Christmas tree, and Corinne’s Café offered biscuit decorating to visitors of the town. McColls provided chocolates and the fire service also sent a tender.

Miss Wright added: “I am still taken aback by the number of people, estimated at approaching 300, who attended this event thus demonstrating a community spirit and making it the event of the year in Abbotswood.”

Member of the Abbotswood Action Group, Paul Hulbert, said: “It went very well, I did a headcount at one point and there were well over 300 people there. It was nice to have a community event in the town and the local people seemed to really appreciate the fact something was organised.

“We had the new feature of having a Christmas tree light up on the green. It was organised, for the first time as a Christmas event in the town, by the action group and also Jacob’s Well.

"We also found that Government ministers make great helpers for Father Christmas, spending a couple of hours at a really nice community event.”

To find out more about the Abbotswood Action Group visit: abbotswoodaction.blogspot.co.uk.