Burnham-On-Sea’s Carnival Queen and her Princesses were joined by Santa, the town’s Mayor and Mayoress and a local radio presenter in switching on the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday (November 27th).
The annual ceremony was held outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street during an afternoon of festive entertainment from local childrens groups.
A crowd of around 400 people watched the event, which included performances from St Andrew’s, St Joseph’s and King Alfred schools plus a special festive performance by Burnham’s Curtain Call theatre group.
Santa arrived in style on Burnham’s BARB Light Of Elizabeth rescue hovercraft and then circulated among the crowds, handing out sweets and gifts to children. There was also face-painting plus displays by Burnham Police, Fire Brigade, Burnham Lions and BARB.
Then, at 5pm, Carnival Queen Anna Kevan and her princesses, Katrina Doyle and Agatha Parrott were joined by Mayor Michael Clarke and Total Star radio presenter Ian Burrage in pushing a plunger to light up the town’s High Street and adjoining streets with dozens of colourful festive lights.
Rhonda Mills, Chairman of Burnham’s Chamber of Trade, the group that has organised the switch-on, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re delighted with how today’s switch-on has gone – we had big crowds of several hundred spectators despite bitterly cold weather.”
“There was a real community spirit with some superb performances by our local youngsters. Thanks go to everyone who helped and supported this year’s switch-on.”
Collections for local good causes were made by members of Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club throughout the afternoon. A special outdoor stage was set-up in Victoria Street by Total Star FM, whose presenter, Ian Burrage, commentated during the event.
This year’s lights have been funded by Burnham Chamber of Trade and its members, plus the Town Council and Sedgemoor District Council.
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham Chamber of Trade website
