Santa brings festive cheer for Town lights switch-on
HUNDREDS of islanders braved the threat of heavy rain and packed into Market Square on Saturday evening for the Christmas lights switch-on, the annual event that more than any other shows that the festive season has begun.
This was the second year that the event had been organised by Black Vanilla, whose Krista Osborne was keeping a close eye on proceedings.
‘We didn’t want to change anything that works,’ she said, as Santa walked past the crowds at the bottom of Fountain Street.
‘We just want to make sure he gets from A to B and gets the letters from the children and gets the job done.’
Although not the best weather for the evening, it was at least an improvement on last year. ‘We were hit by a storm,’ said Miss Osborne, ‘and that meant we couldn’t have the Petit Train.’
This time all went to plan, with Santa setting off from the Model Yacht Pond after arriving on a fire engine.
For those gathered at the Castle Emplacement there were mince pies provided by Boatworks+, one of the afternoon’s sponsors.
Special guests had a ride on the train, which followed the Guernsey Boys’ Brigade band as it marched as far as the entrance to the Inner Street.
While people gathered in Market Square, where the party was being hosted by Island FM, they were treated to festive songs from the Guernsey Mind Hope Choir.
When Santa and his elves appeared to wave from the balcony the crowd belted out ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ before the serious business of collecting more letters and turning on the lights got under way with the switch-on happening bang on time at 5pm.
Santa still was not done, though, and he headed off into the Arcade to make his way through Town.
Santa’s letterbox will remain in the Guille-Alles Library for children to post their letters to him and receive a personalised response.
