On Friday 1 December Thame hosted its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event. The event was well attended with a range of festive stalls, tasty food, attractions and entertainment on offer.
Father Christmas made the special journey to visit his Grotto in Thame and to wish the people of Thame a Merry Christmas (and even came with gifts for those who have been good this year!). Visitors also had the opportunity to take a spin in the Go-Karts or play in the snow in the human-sized Snow Globe. The well-known Snow Sisters also enjoyed meet children and taking photos with them.
There were plenty of opportunities to warm up inside with entertainment in the Town Hall and Masonic Hall throughout the evening, as well as on the podium, from ten different local performance groups. Many shops also stayed open late and offered a range of festive exclusives including free mince pies, special offers and even face-painting!
Just before the lights were switched-on, we were treated to a beautiful lantern parade, courtesy of Thame’s Primary Schools, which paraded down Cornmarket and the High Street and was led by Father Christmas, the Mayor of Thame Cllr Tom Wyse and this year’s Snowflake Search winner – 2 and a half year old Ellen Sweet! Ellen was presented with four complimentary tickets to any show by Thame Players and a congratulations card for being chosen the winner. This year’s runners up were George Hillsdon (aged 5) who won a Doh Nutters game from Wally’s Toy Shop, and Summer Spink (aged 6 and a half) who won a handmade chocolate advent calendar from Rumsey’s Chocolaterie. Well done to everyone who took part this year, and if you couldn’t find all 24 you can view the answers here.
Crowds then gathered around the tree to hear Dr Revd Romilly Micklem’s Christmas blessing, followed by a massive group selfie to show togetherness at this festive time of year. The Mayor then helped Ellen push the plunger on Thame’s Christmas Lights! Everyone then joined in with the community carol singing accompanied by Thame Primary School Choirs and Thame Concert Band, which was a perfect way to round off a fantastic, festive evening.
You can experience the magic all over again by watching the video or why not browse through Thame Town Council's Flickr album featuring some fantastic photographs courtesy of Thame Town Council and Paul Nelson.
Thank you to ASM Auto Recycling for sponsoring the tree and to our event sponsors: Kubota, Sportif Citroen, Lucy Electric, JJ Plumbing & Heating, 3B Vehicle Hire & Servicing and Thame & District Housing Association, and all of our sponsors and supporters this year. The event simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support we receive from local businesses and the community. The Town Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thame Town Council always strive to improve their events for all involved - theywelcome your feedback on this year's event so next year can be even better. Please drop them an email or send us a tweet.
