More
people than ever turned up to see the Christmas lights being
switched on in Ross-on-Wye last Saturday and the whole afternoon
was a great success, with lots going on to entertain those
attending.
The
Hereford Salvation Army Band set up in Broad Street at 3:30pm
and played their repertoire of Christmas carols beautifully.
There was more brass band entertainment later in the afternoon
when Ross Town Band played their selection of Christmas
songs under the canopy of Ross Market House. The streets
soon began to fill with people waiting for the switch on
and children were delighted to be given glow bands and sweets,
courtesy of Ross Town Council.
Prior
to the switch on a small procession of Peppa Pig, Ross Scouts
and others made their way from the Crofts up to the market
house, where hundreds of people were now waiting for the
main event to take place. ART media man, Mike Morgan and
Ross Town Mayor, Councillor David Ravenscroft then introduced
Wincy Willis, who was to perform the light switch on. Ms
Willis also kindly drew the first winner of ART's draw,
which offers £250 each week leading up to Christmas.
I have to say that I found Wincy very friendly and she was
quite happy to be photographed and chat. After
the countdown from five, on went the lights to cheers from
the crowds. The lights look beautiful and the tree on the
apron of the Market House, stunning.
Instead
of disappearing after this however, people did stay behind
to listen to the talented group 'Splinter' perform some
great songs. Their acoustic version of 'Merry Christmas
Everybody' was very well received and a good time was had
by all.
On
Sunday, 4th December, ART are holding their Christmas Shopping
Festival. There will be lots of stalls for you to browse
and many of the shops will be opening too, giving shoppers
an extra day to get those special Christmas gifts. The next
winner of £250 worth of ART vouchers will also be
drawn on that day. . To be in with a chance of winning one
of the draws, all you need to do is spend a specified amount
in any of the participating shops and you will be given
a free entry into the draw.
Each
Thursday, leading up to Christmas, the following shops will
be staying open later than usual. Ross
Old Books , Essential
Sewing Services , Field Fayre , Tudor
Sweets , Pots
and Pieces and Truffles.
Remember
to put a note in your diary against Saturday, 17th December
for this is the day when Santa will pay his pre Christmas
visit to Ross-on-Wye, giving all of the children who go
to meet him at Ross Market House a little present. This
is always a wonderful event for parents and children alike
and I am really looking forward to seeing you all there.
To
see some beautiful scenes filmed by Alan Wood of how Ross
looks during the festive period, please click here.
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