CARHAMPTON Community Orchard celebrated its Christmas Lights Turn-On for the third year running – and for the first time, it did not rain!

The giant flowering cherry tree by the orchard gate, which bears white blossoms in the spring, was festooned with starry white lights. They will light up the village for the festive season, then have a brief second flowering for the traditional Wassail on Old Twelfth Night, January 17.

Carhampton Village Stores joined in the festivities with proprietor Gary Thrush turning on his new Christmas lights, and Sandra Eaves from the Butcher’s Arms, this year dressed as an elf, provided mulled wine.

The visitors also enjoyed the orchard’s own hand-pressed apple juice – spiced and heated – and Herby4’s award-winning hot Chaider. Carols were sung with the Village Band, which was started for the orchard’s first Christmas lights event in 2015, has grown with each occasion, and this year attracted new arrivals from even further afield.

Carhampton Community Orchard is open all year, and welcomes visitors. To be kept informed of orchard events, email [email protected].