RESIDENTS of Whitchurch turned out in force to see this year’s Christmas lights be switched on.

The annual event, organised by Whitchurch in Lights, happened on December 7 alongside the Lantern Parade, which featured children who had created lanterns in all shapes and sizes fill them with light, and parade down Winchester Street to the town centre.

Testbourne School students pushed the plunger after town mayor Councillor John Buckley's countdown to light up the town centre with festive cheer.

The Town Hall exterior was fully decorated in festive themes, along with the trees in the surrounding area, and the buildings throughout the town.

This was followed by Christmas songs that were sung by children from Whitchurch Primary School, and then a performance of carols from All Hallows Church.

Father Christmas also paid a visit, meeting the children in the assembled crowd as he passed by the Town Hall.

There was also a Gift Fair held on the same evening at the Gill Nethercott Centre, where there were craft products available, including handmade fashion accessories, pots, handmade celebration cakes, and more.