FESTIVE cheer finally arrived in Minehead on Wednesday when the town's Christmas tree burst into light - five days after the official Christmas switch-on. This year's event was organised not by the town council but by the business-led group PUMP and town mayor Cllr Nick Messarra. But an estimated 200 people who packed Wellington Square last Friday for the traditional ceremony were left in the dark when the lights, which were connected to a street lamp, kept on fusing. Investigations the following day traced the fault to an underground cable, which it was feared could take until Twelfth Night to repair. So council clerk Sue Sanders contacted the town's vicar, the Rev Simon Lloyd, who agreed that the tree lights could be powered by tapping into the electricity supply of nearby St Andrew's Church. Cllr Martyn Snell, a former member of the council's Christmas lights committee who in the past has been heavily involved with the town's seasonal decorations, said: "The tree looks splendid and the council will be making a donation to the church for its kind gesture." The switch-on also incorporated a late-opening shopping evening and a fancy dress competition, which resulted in three young girls winning the chance to flick the switch to light up the tree - or not - and the main street decorations, some of which also suffered electrical problems. PUMP chairman Nick James said not all the shops had opened. "Some traders were very enthusiastic and some were indifferent but we were delighted with the crowds who turned out for the event. "Wellington Square was absolutely heaving. The Watchet Royal British Legion band played and the atmosphere was terrific." Cllr Messarra also dubbed the switch-on a success. "It was a great evening and I have thanked all the shops who opened. "There were one or two problems with the lights but it didn't spoil things at all." PUMP is organising a second late-night opening on December 9. Four trees outside the town hall have also been decorated with lights for the first time this year in a joint scheme between the Minehead Rotary Club and the town's entertainments committee. For just £1 people can dedicate a light to their loved ones, with all the proceeds going to the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity and HomeStart, an organisation which supports families.