Newbury Weekly News

Big Christmas switch-on is given the thumbs-up

Special video accompanie­s spectacula­r display of lights across the town

- Report by JOHN GARVEY email john.garvey@newburynew­s.co.uk twitter @johng_nwn

BOOM! Hungerford mayor Helen Simpson (pictured top left) looks like she’s having a very bad hair day as she mocks up a shocking start to the town’s spectacula­r annual Christmas lights display.

The town council, with help from Penny Locke and Stuart March, compiled a heartwarmi­ng video of community groups counting down to the big switchon, which was conducted virtually this year because of coronaviru­s restrictio­ns.

Among those taking part were the library team, Hungerford Hub, Hungerford Allotment Holders Associatio­n (HAHA), Rainbows and Guides, schoolchil­dren, churches, the town band, the Town & Manor of Hungerford, Hungerford Rotary Club, a very nattily dressed John Willmott of Smarten Up Hungerford, the town football and rugby teams and a host of local people.

The virtual switch-on proved a huge hit, with hundreds of responses praising the project.

Mrs Simpson thanked all those who posted comments on social media, saying: “I cannot thank you all enough for the wonderful comments and

messages I’ve received.

“And thank you to everyone that helped me realise an idea I had way back in August.

“Hungerford is the best community ever – I can’t wait to celebrate with you all again soon. Superstars, the lot of you!”

Mrs Simpson revealed that

many people had been so inspired by thevirtual switch-on that they had asked how to make a financial contributi­on to what many regard as the best Christmas lights display in the region.

She said: “For those who wish to contribute, we have set up a funding page on The Good

Exchange.”

All donations will be matchfunde­d by the Greenham Trust.

If you are not able to donate in this way but would like to make a contributi­on, send a cheque to the Hungerford Town Council office at The Library, Church Street, Hungerford, RG17 0JG.

Hungerford firefighte­rs enter the Christmas spirit

Schoolchil­dren take part in the video

Hungerford rugby players celebrate

 ?? Picture: PHIL CANNINGS Ref: 49-0320AE ?? Hungerford High Street is lit up for Christmas
Picture: PHIL CANNINGS Ref: 49-0320AE Hungerford High Street is lit up for Christmas
 ?? Ref: 49-0320AB ?? Hungerford Arcade is given a festive makeover
Ref: 49-0320AB Hungerford Arcade is given a festive makeover
 ??  ?? Sign of the times – Christmas in Hungerford
Ref: 49-0320J
Sign of the times – Christmas in Hungerford Ref: 49-0320J
 ?? Ref: 49-0320V ?? The mist comes down on Hungerford’s Christmas lights
Ref: 49-0320V The mist comes down on Hungerford’s Christmas lights
 ??  ?? The switch-on went with a bang for Hungerford mayor Helen Simpson
The switch-on went with a bang for Hungerford mayor Helen Simpson
 ??  ?? Christmas jumper time at Hungerford Town FC
Christmas jumper time at Hungerford Town FC

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