Christmas has come to Wiveliscombe with the festive lights switched on in front of a large crowd last Friday (December 3).

This year was a triumph of co-ordination between local groups and organisations, in particular the Jim Laker Fund, Wiveliscombe Community Centre and the local yarnbombers.

The centrepiece in The Square is a stunning Christmas tree, again given by Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm, decorated with lights, bows and baubles.

The surrounding shops and Community Centre are lit with dazzling lights, which stretch along adjoining streets.

Local schoolchildren switched on the lights under the direction of Santa – all children were invited to wear fancy dress to the event.

Following the switch-on, Santa headed to his grotto next to the Community Centre herb garden, and visitors to the centre’s festive stalls were entertained by Wivelele, the local ukulele band.

For those remaining in The Square, the displays created by the local yarnbombers adorned the post box, lamp-posts and shop windows, and were admired by many.

Stalls were also run by the Jim Laker Fund to help fund next year’s lights display – since 2016 JLF has raised the money for the Christmas Lights by collections, raffles and donations from the community and businesses in Wiveliscombe.

This year, the installation costs of the display were supported by donations from Wiveliscombe Town Council and the Town Centre Recovery Fund.

The Jim Laker Fund would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Pauline McNichol