MEMBERS of the Chippenham BID are hopeful that this year’s Christmas light switch-on event will be a success following the criticism from last year.

Many people who attended the event last year, which was organised for the first time by the BID, took to social media to complain about a lack of stalls, atmosphere and that a number of events had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

The lack of Chippenham’s Christmas traditions was also criticised, such as the main stage being located down on The Bridge as opposed to Market Place and Santa not abseiling down the Angel Hotel.

Nicole Johnstone, a director of the BID and owner of The Buttercross Inn, believes lessons have been learnt from last year with more events and traditional aspects returning.

“I became part of the BID because I was at the light switch-on last year with my three small children and none of us were happy,” said the 35-year-old.

“I love this town though so I thought the best thing to do was join the BID and I think this year we are going to bring it back with a bang.”

The Christmas light switch-on will take place on Friday (November 25), with Winter Olympic gold medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean switching on the lights from 6.30pm, with Santa due to abseil down the Angel Hotel.

There will be a number of events prior to the switch-on, including live entertainment from 4pm, festive walk-about characters, choirs and dance troupes as well as a fun fair and stalls.

There will also be creation stations at Emery Gate Shopping Centre, as well as festive story-telling at The Neeld Community and Arts Centre amongst other things.

Parking will also be free in Chippenham on Saturday (November 26) to encourage people to come to the town and do their Christmas shopping.

Matthew Powell, interim manager for Chippenham BID, said: “So far the feedback has been extremely positive regarding this year’s Christmas light switch-on plans.

“We have been working hard as a team, as well as gaining input from the local community, to ensure we add a touch of magic from Chippenham’s Christmas events of the past.

“We have also focused on bringing a great deal of unique entertainment and a show-stopping finale to allow the people of Chippenham to see in the festive season in style.

“We want to give Chippenham’s visitors, businesses and residents the fantastic evening they deserve.”