CROWDS packed out Royal Wootton Bassett High Street last night for the switching on of the Christmas lights.

The cold temperatures were not enough to keep people away as the town became awash with colour.

Several thousand families attended to see Felicity Montagu, best known for playing Alan Partridge’s long-suffering assistant Lynn, flick the switch.

The event also marked the start of the late-night shopping period and the true start of the town’s festive period.

As well as the lights, there was a host of entertainment for everyone to enjoy, including an opportunity for the children to meet Father Christmas.

After the lights had been switched on there was a traditional carol service as well as street performers, including a circus skills workshop, a caricaturist, a rodeo reindeer, drumming workshop, fair rides and face painting.

Music was also played throughout the evening along with dance displays.

The whole evening was given the thumbs up from those in attendance who say the council had done a great job.

Alan Harris, 40, a project manager from Hook, said: “It’s a lovely occassion and it is great to see everyone coming out.

“It’s a great event for the whole community to get together for and it is lovely that there is something for everyone to do.

“It’s got a really good festival atmosphere and the kids are really enjoying themselves.”

Also enjoying the event was Mark Boscott, 32, a regional development officer from Royal Wootton Bassett.

He said: “This is the third time I’ve been and it is always a really good evening.

“It’s absolutely fantastic for the community and they have done a really good job at organising it this year.”