ICE skating legends and Winter Olympic gold medallists Torvill and Dean could be turning on Chippenham’s Christmas lights this year, in a £40,000 spectacular aimed at restoring the event’s reputation.

Members of the Chippenham BID board and town councillors have been discussing provisional ideas for this year’s event, following the criticism of last year’s switch-on.

“This meeting has been convened because this council and the BID recognise there is a need to get on with things,” said Coun Desna Allen.

The proposed date for the switch-on is November 25, to take place 4pm-6.45pm, with councillors at last Wednesday’s meeting voting in favour of returning the event back to a Friday, following the town’s usual tradition.

Themed around a children’s funfair, the event will move back to Market Place and Santa will ‘drop in’ off the Angel Hotel.

Jules Brogan, director of events company Verve, speaking on behalf of Chippenham BID, said: “We’re focused this year on really engaging with people and liaising with Chippenham Town Council on a regular basis.”

Altogether £40,000 is likely to be spent on the event, with Chippenham Town Council contributing up to half of that, and 4-5,000 people expected to attend.

Attractions suggested for the night and following Christmas programme include a fireworks display, lantern parade, a roller-rink, giant snow globe and reindeer petting.

There will also be a main stage for the switch-on which would include more live entertainment and a green room.

Last year’s event, the first organised by Chippenham BID, was criticised for a number of reasons, including the location and lack of events, many cancelled due to poor weather.

“I have to applaud the BID; I’ve seen a clear change in the mindset because you’ve had a challenging period, you’ve seen the issues and are trying to address them,” said Coun Peter Hutton.