Calne was lit up with Christmas spirit yesterday evening as thousands of people packed the town centre for the Christmas lights switch-on.

The annual lantern parade got the festivities underway just as darkness fell with over 600 lanterns filling the roads from Bremhill Social Club to the Town Hall.

The parade was led by reindeer, Snowflake and Blitzen, and a full marching band as it tailed down Lickhill Road and North Street with the Santa in the Calne Lions sleigh bringing up the rear.

Many schools were represented in the parade, including St Edmunds Primary and St Dunstan Primary, while First Calne Scouts decorated their lanterns with poppies to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Upon their arrival, Guy Fawkes competition winners from St Dunstan Primary School, Darryl and Chloe-Mai, and the mayor, Coun Heather Canfer, dropped the plunger to light up the town.

The night was capped off with a fireworks display above the now brightly lit town hall.

A mild and dry evening saw young and old enjoy food, drinks and craft stalls, from the town hall all the way up to and along Phelps Parade as well as a fun fair in Sainsbury’s car park.

Organiser Tracy Howell from Calne Town Council said: “It’s just absolutely magical and overwhelming; it’s been another amazing turnout by the Calne community.”