WINCHESTER was lit up last night as the Christmas lights were switched on ahead of this season’s festivities.
Ahead of the official light switch-on, the High Street was buzzing with Christmas spirit, from the smell of chestnuts roasting, hot mulled wine, queues lined for bratwurst sausages and the sound of Christmas carols sung by live performers.
Organised by Winchester BID, the event kicked off with presenters Craig Dane and Toby Anstis from Heart South introducing live performances from the likes of Diva Academy, Duo Guitar, Integr8 Dance, A Cappella, Harestock Primary School Choir, Rock Choir, Spitfire Sisters and, of course, Father Christmas.
Local hero and special guest nine-year-old Lily Lomas received hundreds of nominations to turn on the lights. Harestock Primary School headteacher Jackie Sankey said: "She is an amazing young lady who has battled cancer so bravely since November last year and raised over £25,000. I am so proud of her courage and determination. Inspirational at only 9."
Winchester's lights were switched on at 5.58pm by Lily, which was followed by Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You, snow in the air, and a loud cheer, as the city readies for Christmas for another year.
Located in The Square, a snow globe was also a popular attraction, with families queued from afar to get a picture taken inside, while Trinity and Winchester Beacon, previously the Winchester Church Nightshelter, were on stand to collect donations to help the homeless.
Sarah Davis, Winchester BID manager, said: "We are delighted to be coordinating the switch on festivities again this year. A big thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory. This will be a fun-filled, community event that brings together the entire city of Winchester."
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