We've been delving into the archives to bring you some happy memories of Christmasses from past decades.

Children's concerts, visits by Santa and even the odd celebrity or two have made the season special over the years.

In 2004 Children from Croft Playgroup dressed as characters from the Nativity to sing parents and staff. Their supervisor Denise said: “They gave a really good performance.”

That year Beechcroft Junior’s lollipop lady Sue Brazier volunteered to lick and stick hundreds of stamps for Swindon scouts Christmas post. One day she did 200 at a calorie per stamp.

In 2003 homegrown jazz talent Jamie Cullum's star was in the ascendant and it was big news when he came home to Wiltshire for a gig.

The town centre lights switch-ons were a evening huge event, drawing celebrities, live acts and large crowds to streets that were packed during the daytime by Christmas shoppers heading to favourite stores like Debenhams and BHS.