DURSLEY welcomed celebrity guest Susan Lynch to turn on the town’s Christmas lights and watch the long-awaited firework display.

The town was busy with festive entertainment and activities on Friday, November 28 as stalls and a fairground filled the streets for the public to enjoy from 4.30pm onwards.

A large crowd gathered around the town’s Christmas tree with actress Susan Lynch at 5.30pm to begin the countdown and see the tree light up.

A firework display, postponed in early November, was also enjoyed by all moments after the lights switch on.

The town’s theme this year was pantomime and Rednock School pupil Charlotte Howgego dressed in a Disney Princess inspired costume, Beauty and the Beast’s Belle, to celebrate while turning on the lights with Ms Lynch.

Charlotte, aged 16, said: “I was asked to dress for the pantomime theme and as I have dark hair, instead of being Cinderella we chose Belle. I’ve really enjoyed tonight and feel very honoured to have met Susan.”

Celebrity Ms Lynch was asked to switch on the lights after Dursley Town Council heard of her moving to the town at the end of summer this year.

She said: “I can’t believe how Christmassy it is here. I’ve always loved Dursley and the local people and tonight is a testimony of the people here.

She has acted in Hollywood films From Hell and Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, and said: “There’s such a lovely buzz. I feel honoured to have been asked to turn on the lights, when I was asked I was so excited and said yes straight away and was so chuffed.”

The firework display was organised by the Dursley and District Round Table, and was launched from the recreation ground, which was originally planned to be displayed earlier in the month.

The display was cancelled on Saturday, November 8 due to bad weather but the club chose to coincide the display with the Christmas lights turn on in the town.

Member of the Dursley and District Round Table, Mark Musty, said: “We’re really happy tonight happened, after the fireworks were cancelled before and people seem to be really enjoying themselves.

“We’re working and selling glow sticks tonight so get donations to raise money for a charity chosen by people who write in to us. We’re also really looking for new members to join.”

Christmas performances were given by Dursley C of E Primary Academy Children’s Choir and Churches Together Choir and Wotton and District Silver Band, and Father Christmas visited the town during a lantern parade.

A snow machine brought a winter scene to the high street and at 6pm Father Christmas arrived at the Market Place to lead the children’s lantern parade.

Ellie Jones, 15, from Dursley said: “We’re having fun, it’s a lot bigger than last year and it has made me feel quite festive.

Mia Evans, 16, from Dursley said: “It’s so busy and Christmassy and everyone is really friendly.”

The Mayor of Dursley, Jane Ball, who joined Ms Lynch and Charlotte to switch on the lights, said: “It’s been great, a fantastic night and the whole display has really been out of this world.

“There’s been so much for people to see and do, and lots of charities here will really profit from it all. There’s a great atmosphere, each year seems to get bigger and better before.”