Nuneaton switch-on honour was early festive gift for kids

[dutchman]

Christmas came early for a group of youngsters who helped to switch-on the festive lights in their hometown.

The lucky group joined Nuneaton and Bedworth's Mayor, councillor Barry Longden, Santa, and town crier Paul Gough to turn on the twinkling lights in Nuneaton town centre.

They were given the honour by the borough's first citizen.

"Christmas is about kids and I wanted to get some kids involved and I must say they were fantastic," the Mayor said.

"Ellie H, Daisy, Ellie C, Luke, Lily, Isobel, Bradley, Bobby, Beth and Phoebe were a credit to their families and the borough and it made the switch-on even more special for me."

Despite cold and drizzly weather, families gathered outside the Town Hall to watch the switch-on.

This was quickly followed by a dazzling fireworks display to the emotive and magical sound of 'Somewhere in my Memory' from Home Alone, which proved to be the perfect spark for the beginning of the festive season.

As featured in the News, the switch-on date was changed from a Saturday night to a Friday night to make it more family-friendly.

Another new inclusion was a 'mini winter wonderland' created in the George Eliot Memorial Gardens, based behind the Town Hall.

Youngsters could enjoy a ride on the festive land train, have a go at ice-skating on a specially set-up rink and meet some real reindeer.

Santa-on-stilts and even a Grinch were spotted walking around the town centre and event-goers could watch a top line-up of dance routines and performances from a variety of local groups.

Various charities also set-up stall around the town centre as did a variety of hot food and sweet stalls.

Inside the beautifully lit Ropewalk Shopping Centre was the sound of The Beatles as the top tribute band 'The Backbeat Beatles' played to a crowd of people.

Fairground rides were also a big hit with thrill-seekers and for those hoping to win a prize or two there were lots of games and raffles to have a go on.