THE centre of Chippenham was illuminated in a festive glow on Friday after comedian Joe Pasquale switched on the Christmas lights.

Thousands of people flocked to the town centre for the annual event, where local acts took to the stage to entertain the buzzing crowds before Santa abseiled down the side of the Angel Hotel for the big reveal alongside the TV star, who will be playing Wishee Washee in Bristol Hippodrome’s Aladdin next month.

The mayor of Chippenham, Coun Mary Norton said: “I was delighted to see so many

people come to see Chippenham’s Christmas In Colour lights switch-on event with entertainment for all the family including arts and crafts activities, which added to the festive atmosphere.”

The evening, which saw an 11 per cent increase in footfall, was received positively by the people of Chippenham on social media after the packed programme of festive fun.

The town sprang in to life with a number of walkabout characters, while children got crafty in the arts and crafts tent and revellers were treated to an array of artisan products.

Kathryn Crosweller, from Chippenham Connected, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to offer the town an event on this scale.

“We want everyone to love Chippenham as much as we do, and seeing so many people come to support their local Christmas lights switch-on shows that community spirit is alive and well in Chippenham.”

This year’s event, which was organised by the Chippenham BID together with Chippenham Town Council, was extended to a second day to fit in more street entertainment, a market, a giant snow globe and charity collections.

The Christmas season is now under way in the town and the Christmas In Colour event will stretch to Saturday with the New Road Christmas trail.

For more information visit www.chippenhamconnected.com.