Hundreds of people flock to Weymouth town centre for the lights switch-on
This year’s event was called ‘Weymouth’s Christmas Present… with a hint of Christmas Past’ and was organised by Weymouth and Portland Lion’s Club and Weymouth BID.
Christmas in Weymouth started on Saturday 1st December, with the lights switch on and plenty of events for the family to enjoy.
A snow machine was placed outside the former Clipper pub, and a number of live music venues were set up around the town centre.
Performers from Stagecoach Weymouth was one of the groups which performed on the stage in New Bond Street.
Rebecca Howden, principal of Weymouth Stagecoach, said: “It’s been a really great opportunity for the children to get out and perform right near the end of term.”
Barney Jones was serving hot mulled wine to residents and visitors alike outside of Lloyds Bank.
He said: “It’s been busier than we were expecting. The smell of the hot mulled wine has been drawing people in. Some people have been asking for pictures with me, which has been nice.”
At 4.30pm, a lantern parade led by Sant Claus made its way to New Bond Street, arriving at around 5pm.
There was then a lively countdown before Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Gill Taylor turned on this year’s Christmas lights, illuminating the town centre in festive colours. The tree in New Bond Street was also lit up.
Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Gill Taylor switches on the town's Christmas lights
Cllr Taylor said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant. The lights are looking lovely, I’m very impressed. The Lions have done an awful lot of work and it has paid off, it has been a brilliant day. We started off by walking through town with the lantern parade. The children have had a whale of a time.”
The organisers said they were ‘delighted’ by the event’s turnout.
Lion’s President Roger Hogbin said: “The weather has been good to us and a lot of people have showed up in the town.”
Lion’s member Julie Storey added: “There’s been a family feeling to the whole event, which is what the Lions and the BID were trying to achieve this year.”
Dennis Spurr, who is a Weymouth BID Board member, said: “I think it has been good. I have been watching the children singing, the whole atmosphere has been great. It has given everyone a flavour of Christmas.” The new snow globe attraction proofed to be a success, with childern and parents having fun.
Source: Dorset Echo