IF Marlborough's Christmas Light Switch on was anything to go by on Friday night, then this festive season promises to be a cracker.

More than 1,000 people braved the wretched conditions for a day of Yuletide joy along the High Street.

Dozens of stalls selling tasty grub and hot beverages complimented the fair ground rides and choir singing in what was a jubilant and bustling town centre.

From 3pm-9pm, hundreds poured into the town hall to see Santa in his grotto, his mischievous elves and a mouth watering cake sale to boot, all courtesy of the tireless Rotary Club volunteers. 

After much anticipation, the crowds flocked into the High Street to see Mayor Noel Barrett-Morton flick the switch, making the high street shimmer and glow. 

Olivia Prytherch, eight, from Ham, said: "I have been looking forward to this for months and months and I am loving it."

Her older sister, Catrin, 10, said: "I really enjoy the Christmas light switch on, it is always a really fun event."

The dulcet tones of the Rock choir and before them a children's choir serenaded the baying crowd. 

"I have had a really good day and really enjoyed the carousel. It is very exciting when it lights up," said six-year-old Jasmine Luxford, from Burbage.

Her five-year-old sister Felicite added: "I loved seeing Santa, being with the naughty elves and being with my friends. The light switch on was great too."

As one Santa was tied up giving gifts to children in his grotto, another was riding around on his sleigh, courtesy of the town's Lions Club, who will be touring the town and the surrounding areas up until Christmas Eve.

Geoff Oades, of the Rotary Club, said: "It has gone incredibly well. The weather has not been kind to us but it has really been a joyous occasion.

"I want to thank all the 19 volunteers in the town hall who made this possible. So much effort has gone into it and the feedback has been wonderful.

"This is a wonderful way to start the run up to Christmas and it is fair to say, the excitement levels are sky high."