Pictures: Bideford gets switched on for Christmas in style

Bideford Quay was the place to be on Sunday as the town got its Christmas underway in a blaze of sound, spectacle and festive good cheer.

The annual Christmas Lights Switch On saw crowds of people attend for an afternoon and evening of fun, starting off with stalls and fairground rides and building up to the big switch on at 5pm.

*** All pictures courtesy of Graham Hobbs ***

This year the lights were switched on with aplomb courtesy of young Jack Griffin, nominated by the Little Willows Wish Charity and joined by his mum Maz and dad Dean.

Plus there was music from Bideford Town Band and Bideford Youth Pipe Band, which also led the traditional Christmas parade.

The Quay was also abuzz with live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon, with performers including Oliver Wattley, Tettie, Westcroft School Choir, Louisa Hockin School of Performing Arts, St Mary’s School Choir, Jacob Terry plus a very warm and spectacular fire show.

Lucy Lowe, of South West Event Management Solutions CIC said: “Bideford Christmas Light Switch on was a huge success, the atmosphere was amazing and it was fantastic to see the community come together.

“A huge thank you to Bideford Town Council, without their funding the events (and lights) wouldn’t be possible! A massive shout out to all of the people and businesses who supported the event infrastructure, the traders, entertainers, staff, volunteers and visitors to the event - and especially to Little Willows Wish Charity, the events partner charity this year, who nominated the Griffin family to turn the push the big red button.

“Well done, also, to DS Electrical for an amazing job getting the lights up - they look stunning!”