Published: November 29, 2008
In photos: Michael Eavis switches on Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas lights

Big crowds turned out to watch Glastonbury Festival boss Michael Eavis light up Burnham-On-Sea's colourful Christmas illuminations on Saturday evening (November 29th).

Mr Eavis said he was "delighted" to be asked to perform the switch-on of over 60 lights across the town centre from a special stage outside the Victoria Hotel.

Hundreds of people braved icy temperatures to watch the switch-on, including the town's Mayor, Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton and other local dignitaries.

An afternoon of entertainment was beforehand, with a selection of Christmas songs and carols performed by Burnham's Curtain Call School of Performing Arts.

This was followed by local folk group, the Jockstrap Ensemble, playing a selection of numbers from their repertoire.There was also a visit by Father Christmas, and big band entertainment from Boulevard Swing. The entertainment concluded with a reception for Burnham Chamber Of Trade members and invited guests in the Princess Hall.

Alex Turco, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade, thanked the event's organisers, Mike Ham, John Edwards and Geoff Shickle, plus those who helped and supported the event, including Michael Eavis, Mike & Paul Buncombe, Alan Trent, Mike Facey, Keedwells & Jays, Speedy Storage, Sea Breeze, Mix It, Positive Wealth Creation, G H Tyres, Shickle Shoes, Material Needs, the Pier Pavilion and GC Music.

He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Various partners, including the businesses of the town, the Town Council, the District Council and County Councillor Mike Facey have all made contributions to make sure that Burnham town centre is well decorated."

Click here for brief video highlights of the switch-on

Big crowds gathered outside the Victoria Hotel to watch the switch-on

Michael Eavis with the town's Mayor and trumpeter Sarah Alsop

Curtain Call kicked off the afternoon's entertainment, performing a line-up of Christmas songs and carols next to a huge Christmas tree outside the Victoria Hotel

Curtain Call were in good voice during Saturday's switch-on event

Santa gave several delighted children in the crowd sweets and gifts

Burnham Lions Club was collecting for charity at the event, with members Scott Walsh and Barry Kew among the 'bucket shakers'

Tessa Munt with Cllr Joe Leach and Rev'd Graham Witts

Father Christmas was the star of the afternoon for many children

Sedgemoor District Council's Doug Bamsey, Town Clerk Eileen Shaw, Sedgemoor District Council Chairman Cllr Dennis Davey, Mayor Peter Burridge-Clayton and Cllr Arthur Thorogood

Click here for brief video highlights of the switch-on