THE Festival of Christmas is set to brighten up Bradford on Avon tonight as the annual light switch-on ceremony gets underway at 6pm - and the town's controversial Christmas tree has been redecorated in time for the event.

The tinselled town will welcome in crowds to Westbury Gardens with this year’s special guest as Jon Monie who stars as Buttons in the Royal Theatre Bath’s production of Cinderella from December 11.

There will also be late night shopping until 8pm. The annual Santa trail will be making its return, along with Santa’s grotto which will set up camp in the Christmas card charity shop by the Pavilion cafe which is home to the Christmas tree which has the been the centre of attention for the town this past week.

It was redecorated after an overwhelming number of people commented on its decorations, some describing it as 'gaudy' and 'blingy'.

Pavilion cafe owner, Andrew Allen initially decorated the tree in Westbury Gardens after mayor John Potter saw his creative skills at the Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival last year.

But this afternoon, many decorations which have been described as ‘blingy’, were being removed.

Mr Allen has said that he surprised at the 'de-dressing' of the tree.

He said: “I am amazed by everyone’s Grinch-like approach towards the tree and to Christmas.

“With all the negativity that is going on in the world, you would think people would put their energy towards something more worthwhile. At least the cafe is still open and is serving the best coffee in the town.”

He has also said that despite the complaints, the tree has attracted attention towards Bradford on Avon and is something which many others haven’t done. He said: “We have raised the profile of the town and put it on the map.”

Mayor John Potter who was part of the team taking down some decorations has said that over 1,000 lights will be added as a replacement.

He said: “I really liked the other tree but it’s hard to know what people didn’t like about it.”

“It’s got us noticed at least and some people have travelled here from Devizes and Swindon to see it.”

The Christmas lights switch on will happen at 6pm in Westbury Gardens.  

There was a decisive vote against the Christmas tree decorations in our poll (which has now closed).