MORE than 7,000 people endured the rain in Chippenham on Saturday evening to see Channel 4 Gogglebox star and Queen of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, Scarlett Moffatt, perform her first Christmas lights switch-on.

BBC Wiltshire presenters Ben Prater and Marie Indge counted down the crowd to the big switch-on at 6.30pm during a hour’s main stage entertainment featuring local acts.

As Chippenham’s Enchanted Christmas light switch-on approached, the crowds were treated to the sight of Santa abseiling his way down from the Chippenham Town Museum roof.

Sadly, a fireworks display which was to have been the climax of the event was cancelled because of the weather.

Afterwards, Scarlett Moffatt thanked Chippenham for its hospitality, saying: “It reminds me of home. It must be that sense of community. It feels like one big family.”

Miss Moffatt added: “This was the first Christmas lights switch-on that I’ve ever done. I am glad it was in Chippenham.”

The town’s mayor, Cllr Desna Allen, who appeared on stage with Wiltshire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Nicky Alberry, said afterwards: “It was brilliant. It was such a shame about the weather but it did not stop anyone from enjoying themselves.”

The main stage entertainment featured local groups and dancers, including Harmony; Dancing Academy; Xpression StreetDance; Adam, Benji and Ant from Brother From Another. Miss Moffatt led the crowd in singing the popular hit Let It Go from the Disney film Frozen.

This year’s event was organised by Chippenham Connected, in partnership with Chippenham Town Council, and was sponsored by John Williams Heating Services Ltd.

Chippenham’s Enchanted Christmas theme was inspired by the release of Disney’s Frozen 2 the day before. Elsa and Anna’s adventures were mixed with other winter fairy tale themes.

Kathryn Crosweller, manager at Chippenham Connected, said: “Christmas in Chippenham really starts when the lights go on, and we’re excited to be organising this event once again.

“It is a hugely popular feature of the annual calendar in the town and a great opportunity for the community to come together and have some fun at the start of the festive season.”

Chippenham entrepreneurs John and Debbie Williams of John Williams Heating Services Ltd sponsored Chippenham’s Enchanted Light switch-on for the second year running.

Mrs Williams, who is also president of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, said: “Community events are an integral part of what we are about at John Williams Heating Services Ltd.

“We are delighted to be supporting Chippenham’s Enchanted Christmas event this year, and we hope it’s the start of a happy and enjoyable Christmas for the community.”

Chippenham Town Council leader Cllr Sandie Webb said: “Without a doubt this is the most popular event of the year in Chippenham.

“With so many activities to take part in and a festive programme of entertainment it is a great day out in our beautiful town.”

Chippenham’s Enchanted Christmas include a host of free activities, including interactive walkabout characters, busking, carolling and local performers throughout the town centre.

There was an Ice Throne selfie station in Borough Parade Shopping Centre and a baby and toddler zone run by The Rise Trust at The Yelde Hall for parents with young children to use as a base or for some time out during the day.

Christmas arts, crafts and games were on offer at Chippenham Town Hall and there was festive storytelling at Waterstones.

Chippenham Churches Together hosted community carols at St. Andrew’s Church, and there was an extended festive market in the High Street.

Chippenham’s Enchanted Christmas also saw the first day of the annual Santa’s Grotto in the Emery Gate Shopping Centre. The grotto is raising funds for Emery Gate’s chosen charity: Guide Dogs.