THE countdown to Christmas came to Bewdley last weekend, after thousands turned up to the annual Christmas Lights Festival.

Entertainment in the town started as early as 2pm on Saturday, November 29, when more than 90 stalls lined up along the riverside selling goods ranging from small artisan craft makers and food suppliers to local charity and community groups.

The parade, led by the Children’s Nativity Group, set off at 5.15pm before the lights were switched on by Bewdley Mayor Derek Killingworth, Bewdley Carnival princesses and Father Christmas at 5.30pm.

Members of the Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival committee have been planning the well-liked annual event for months and were pleased to see their hard work pay off when thousands of people turned out to the event.

Ann Lyman, of the committee, said: “We had an absolutely wonderful time.

“We could not believe the number of people who turned out in the town to see the lights switch on and the other events.

“We were overwhelmed with the response from the people who attended and we have received a lot of positive feedback.

“The entertainment was amazing, the stall holders were great.

“Thousands of people turned up, more than ever before.”

Entertainment throughout the day included Andrew Healey who did magic tricks, stilt walking and fire eating, Bewdley Concert Band, Stourport Choral Society and Mad Scientists Fire and Ice Show for children.

The short term car park became a fair ground for the day with various fairground rides and a Crazy House was situated at the top of Load Street.

Mrs Lyman said: “Although most of the event was successful, the committee felt thoroughly upset about stall holders left without light on Severnside. A problem we could do nothing about.”

Unfortunately, the essential equipment, supplied by Speedy Hire, was not delivered to the event.

They have taken responsibility for this, and have released this statement:

“Speedy Hire pride themselves on their service and are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused and as a goodwill gesture will make a donation to Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival to make sure the organisation is recompensed and hope to support the event in the future.”

The Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival committee are already looking towards planning next year’s event, which is due to take place on Saturday, November 28, 2015.

To view more of our Christmas Lights Festival photographs click here