CHRISTMAS returned to Dursley and Cam in festive events held last weekend. 

The festive events on Friday in Dursley and Saturday in Cam support local businesses and increase foot traffic in both high streets, while also allowing attendees to kick-start the holiday season.

See our gallery to see photos from both nights. 

Christmas returns to Dursley 

In Dursley there was a firework display, live music and performance, the light switch on and a Christmas Victorian themed window competition for local businesses. 

The shop windows were judged by members of The Door Youth Club and Cam and Dursley Youth Forum together with Dursley mayor, Symon Ackroyd and deputy mayor, Mandy Woodward.

In first place was antiques shop Wyke House which had an incredible display of items from the Victorian era.

While The Mind charity shop and Hunters Estate Agents were second and third respectively.

Highly commended certificates were also awarded to Blue Cross charity shop, Inches Fabrics and The Traditional Bakery. 

Deputy Dursley mayor Mandy Woodward who is also vice-chair of Festive Dursley said: “Friday was a lovely evening, the town mayor switched on the lights and we had a record amount of children visiting Father Christmas this year. 

“A huge thank you to local residents who attended. It makes it worthwhile putting on this event to see the community come together. 

“We installed new lights across Parsonage this year which was possible by a grant from Gloucester County Council.

“Amy Addle dance group were also popular at the event and we also had live music from local bands. 

“Lots of local businesses stayed open later than normal for the evening, one trader told me their shop was full of people and the Kings Head had a busy evening, which is lovely to hear.”

Christmas returns to Cam 

Meanwhile Cam's Christmas lights were switched on Saturday. 

It was the first festive celebration to be held in Cam for several years after the pandemic. 

Organised by Cam Parish Council with the support of Anita Wiltshire and Jeremy Clutterbuck, children visited Father Christmas and enjoyed mini reindeer rides as well as a fairground. 

There was also a Christmas Craft Market in Cam Memorial Hall with music, games, a treasure hunt and a memory tree for writing messages to loved-ones. 

The lights were officially switched on by Cllr Jon Fulcher, chair of Cam Parish Council, and will be sparkling in the trees around the car park in Noel Lee Way and along the High Street throughout the festive season.