The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Marlborough as hundreds of people gathered in the High Street on the evening of Friday November 19 to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights. There were smiles all round as roller skating street entertainers, stilt walkers, and Christmas music floated through the crowds enjoying the market together with the smells of roast chestnuts and mulled wine. Live entertainment was provided by the Blue Belles, a local acapella group, and members of Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama. What a contrast to the subdued gloom of Christmas 2020!
Although Father Christmas was not in his grotto in the Town Hall he was on his sleigh, courtesy of the Lions, and he took a trip around the High Street with the Mayor. There were plenty of wide eyed gazes from toddlers who had never seen this magical figure in the flesh before.
Town Crier, Mike Tupman, had penned some rhymes to introduce the Mayor who switched on the Christmas lights after a thunderous countdown from the crowd. Here’s an extract :
We hear children singing carols to brighten up this night
But what we really need right now is a lot more Christmas lights
I’m here to introduce to you tonight
A man who needs your help to turn on the Christmas lights
He’s the most important man in town
He wears a gold chain of office and often a bright red gown
He looks so smart – he’s no party pooper
Please welcome the Mayor of Marlborough, Cllr Mr Mark Cooper
Marlborough Town Council would like to thank everyone who made the evening such a success and released the following statement: “We couldn’t let the evening pass by without saying a great big THANK YOU for helping to make this such a happy occasion. Our Mayor’s face says it all. Dare we say… Merry Christmas?”
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