Chippenham’s roads and pavements were heaving as everyone headed for the one place to be on Friday night – the Market Place.

Father Christmas arrived ahead of the big lights switch-on by abseiling from the roof of the Angel Hotel down to the balcony, where the countdown was given by TV presenter Charlie Vernon.

The hundreds of people waiting, well wrapped up against the cold, cheered as Mayor Sylvia Gibson, The Antiques Roadshow’s Marc Allum and two young competition winners flicked the switch and the square and 30ft Spruce lit up.

Families enjoyed baked spuds, candy floss and churros in the High Street and funfair rides on River Island and Market Place, until the squeals of delight from the sizzler twist were drowned out by the bangs and whistles of a dazzling firework display over Monkton Park.

Chippenham Town Council took the opportunity to get to know residents and gave out freebies below the Buttercross, including 200 mince pies, 100 glow sticks and boxes of Celebrations.

Emma King, the council’s events manager, said: “We always have this huge crowd, it’s phenomenal. It’s a joy to be involved with.”