CHRISTMAS has come to Dursley after an impressive turnout at the annual lights switch-on event.

Hundreds of people came to the town centre on Friday (November 29) to see the Christmas lights being turned on and enjoy a host of festive frivolities at the same time.

The air was filled with snow and Christmas melodies from Dursley Male Voice Choir members and carol singers from Churches Together, as well as a special performance from children at Dursley Primary Academy.

With most of the town’s shops open during the evening, the high street was bustling with visitors, some of which had dressed up for the occasion, as stalls lined Parsonage Street with games, competitions and festive food and goods for sale.

With fairground rides, facepainting and a special visit from Santa, the children were not left out of the fun either as Father Christmas led a lantern parade through he town before setting up in his Grotto at Bird Cage Hairdressers on Parsonage Street.

Adding a real seasonal feeling to the proceedings was the addition of snow billowing through the town, kindly donated by Cam Cllr Paul Denney who lent the fake snow and machines from his company Snow Business in Stroud.

One visitor was Liz Rolfe, 37, from Rosebery Road who took along her daughters Abigail, 2, and six-year-old Emily to the event.

Emily was looking forward to using her specially-made lantern in the parade as well as giving her Christmas letter to Santa, who she hopes will grant her wish of getting her a Playmobil fire engine for Christmas.

“The idea of asking the kids if they would like to make their own lanterns and writing the letters was a very nice touch. It was a really nice idea because Emily’s made it in her own time at home,” said Liz.

“It’s been really good this year actually. It’s nice to come out in the town together and invite the local shops to stay open.”

Turning on the lights was Mayor Jane Ball who thanked the many groups whose effort made sure the event was a resounding success.

“It’s been really tremendous,” she said.

“It’s been building every year for awhile. I think we are getting more of a reputation for putting on a good show.”