HUNDREDS flocked to Thornbury High Street last night for the Christmas lights switch-on event at the annual Victorian Fair.

Joining Father Christmas and Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison in turning on the lights display this year was Thornbury Olympic medallist Sally Conway, who revelled in the chance to be involved in the popular event.

Also getting a hand on the red button was competition winner Charlie Kedward, whose name was chosen over dozens of other entries.

“It is so amazing to be invited to turn on the lights – it’s a dream come true,” said Sally, who was presented with a certificate of achievement by the mayor at a special reception in the Town Hall before the switch-on.

“I love Christmas and I always used to love seeing the lights in Thornbury when I was young.

“The turnout today has been unbelievable, so many people have come along to enjoy the fair and it has been a lot of fun to meet so many new people as well as catching up with a lot of familiar faces.”

The Victorian fair, which accompanies the Christmas lights switch-on, was unfortunately cancelled last year due to poor weather making the assorted rides unsafe.

But this year, visitors were treated to a range of attractions, with stalls, food, live music and rides keeping families entertained.

Speaking to the Gazette, Cllr Harrison said: “It is wonderful to see the Thornbury community turn out for one of the special events in the town’s calendar.

“Thank you to everyone for coming along and a special thankyou to Sally Conway for agreeing to turn on the lights for us.

“A big thank you must also go to the Christmas Lights Association for another amazing display this year.

“With last year’s Victorian Fair being cancelled last minute due to the weather, it is wonderful to see so many people here tonight. I really hope everyone enjoys themselves!”

Brian Roberts, chairman of the Thornbury Christmas Lights Association paid tribute to the committee and volunteers for their hard work leading up to the event.

He said: “We have a very dedicated group of people in Thornbury who really care about what we are doing.

“We always say that when the hanging baskets in the High Street come down, it is time for the lights to go up and everyone was well prepared this year to jump into action.”

After last year’s cancelled event, the campaign to refurbish the Armstrong Hall was again given the opportunity to fundraise again as the event’s chosen charity.

Money raised from a bucket collection is set to be counted later today.

Shirley Holloway, chairman of the Armstrong Hall management committee said: “It was lovely that we had a cold brisk evening for the fair, it was nice clear weather and really helped fuel the festive atmosphere.

“There were some spectacular rides available, and while I didn’t go on them myself it was good to see so many people there enjoying themselves.

“We were very disappointed when the fairground had to be cancelled last year due to the terrible weather. Even though we had a reasonable bucket collection, the rides offer a significant donation towards the chosen charity.

“But it was exceedingly generous of the Christmas Lights Association to allow us to collect again this year and we are very thankful.”