Huge crowd for Axminster Christmas lights switch-on
Posted: 21.11.21 at 11:17 by Philip Evans
There were plenty of attractions to keep the kids amused. Scroll through the white dots or arrows above for more photos.
The merry-go-round provided by Herberts Funfair was particularly popular
Father Christmas paid an early visit, accompanied by one of his elves, handing out sweets to the children
MC Mervyn Symes, a former mayor, kept the crowds informed
Members of Axminster Rotary served hot soup during the evening
The Mayor, Cllr Jill Farrow, accompanied by town crier Nick Goodwin, leads the torchlight procession
The Karizma Majorettes led the torchlight procession around the town
The brazier of the Minster Green
Thousands of people crowded into Axminster's Trinity Square last evening (Saturday) to witness the switching on of the town's Christmas illuminations.
It was thought to be the best supported Christmas event seen in Axminster with the Square, Minster Green and parish church packed with Christmas stalls, food outlets and fairground rides provided by Herberts Funfair.
Highlight of the occasion was a torchlight process around the town with more than 200 taking part.
The procession was led by the town mayor, Cllr Jill Farrow, who was accompanied by town crier Nick Goodwin, followed by the Karizma Majorettes.
Father Christmas paid an early visit to the town, accompanied by one of his elves, and there was punch and judy and face painting to keep the kids amused.
With last year's Christmas abandoned because of the COVID-19 epidemic, local businesses have made a special effort this year to make the town centre as festive as possible.
The event was co-ordinated by the Light-Up Axminster organisation with help from Axminster Carnival Committee.
Organiser Cindy Furse said she was delighted with the number of stalls and attractions and thanked all those who supported the event.
After the disappointment of last year she felt the people of Axminster were determined to get in the Christmas mood.
The owners of the former NCP car park opened their site for free parking.
MC for the evening was former mayor Mervyn Symes.
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