Sidmouth Mummers lead illuminations countdown

CHRISTMAS came to Sidmouth on Saturday, when the town lit up under a canopy of blue and white lights and Santa put in an appearance.

For two years running, the town’s Christmas Lights switch-on was well attended by children and parents as well as older residents and Sidmouth Mummers, who entertained the crowd beforehand – along with a juggler and uni-cyclist – led the countdown to the switch-on.

“The weather was kind to us and everything went perfectly,” said town council chairman, Councillor Peter Sullivan, who presented friends Rosie Moger, 12 and Jasmine Bramble, 11, with �100 voucher to spend at Gliddons’ toy shop.

The girls had agreed to share the prize if either had the winning Golden Ticket, organised by Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve had two good years and I think it is probably because the town council and Chamber of Commerce are working very closely together on this, with the Chamber donating �1,000 towards the �8,000 cost of the lights,” said Mr Sullivan. “I think it is worth it to keep the town busy during the Christmas period.

“We now have late night shopping to look forward to on Friday, December 3.”

Then, shops open until 8pm and there will be plenty to keep people in town, including hog roasts, hot chestnuts, carol singers, choirs, Santa and his sleigh and in-store goodies.