FEW recall the very first time Wood Street was set aglow nearly 50 years ago – and only tenuous traces of the early days of the Old Town Christmas lights switch-on endure in the Adver archives, writes MARION SAUVEBOIS.

Despite an elusive genesis and only vague recollections of its inauguration back in 1966, one thing is certain: The festivities captured townspeople’s imagination, soon becoming a treasured tradition.

Ahead of its golden jubilee next year, the extravaganza is being launched into the 21st century with state-of-the-art lights, a new date, redrawn boundaries and a rebranding campaign that would likely leave the event’s humble founders scratching their heads in disbelief.

“It has got bigger and better every year but this time we’ve changed the format. It’s not like any other event we’ve had,” says Old Town Business Association vice chairman Jan Wojtowicz.

“Old Town is always improving and evolving and the lights had to grow and showcase that.”

The event, founded and funded entirely by the Old Town Business Association, has grown beyond recognition over the decades, turning into a fixture in the events calendar and rivalling the larger town centre switch-on ceremony, if not always in size, at least in popularity.

The Millennium blew a wind of change with a new set of modern lights for Old Town.

But Old Town hadn’t seen anything yet and 2015 will mark the event’s rebirth in many ways on November 29.

For the first time since its inception, the two-hour reveal will be moved from a Thursday to a Sunday and stretch across an entire afternoon.

Food and gift stalls will fill Wood Street from 1pm to 6pm.

The switch-on, which this year will be hosted by a surprise guest, will take place at 5pm, much earlier than usual, to make it as family-friendly as possible.

“From the start it was held on a Thursday, but we attract so many families we thought we should do it on a weekend, not on a school night,” said Jan.

“It makes it easier for younger children to attend, enjoy the thrill of the countdown and see the whole of Old Town light up.

"Before parents would rush off home to put their children to bed.

"It’s going to be more of a fun day from now on. And it allows us to incorporate more businesses and give people more shopping opportunities.”

The Old Town Lights Traditionally held a few days after the town centre’s celebrity switch-on ceremony, the has always distanced itself from the more commercial event.

“It’s totally different,” said fellow organiser and GlamoRose owner Jessie Dennis.

“It’s really about the community spirit. It’s a social event put on by independent businesses for Old Town.

It’s great to see the lights switch on and see people make the most of Old Town. It’s such a great place, but it’s not always appreciated.”

Jan said: “The event itself is the draw, not the celebrity. It’s really not about the two minutes someone spends switching on the lights.

"It’s a lot more personal and it always has been. It’s a different atmosphere.

"We know the area, we know our customers, the people of Old Town. It’s such a joyous event for everyone.”

The upgraded festivities on Sunday will be the occasion for the OTBA team to unveil their new bespoke set of Christmas lights bought earlier this year thanks to a £50,000 grant from Swindon Council.

To make the display unique, organiser and designer Mark Pepperall has created a lit-up logo to match the lights and hang above Wood Street.

Over the last 18 months Mark, who is the owner of Hot Pepper Design, has developed a shared brand for Old Town businesses.

“We were looking to do something new and we wanted our lights design to reflect the area,” he said.

“Normally town lights are stars and baubles, but we’ve moved away from that. They are not multi-coloured – we wanted them to be classic, ethereal and elegant. They’re timeless.”

This year the event will extend beyond Wood Street with activity taking place on the Newport Street, the High Street, Victoria Road and Devizes Road.

Children will be invited to pay a visit to Santa in his grotto in the Pig On The Hill garden.

They will also get to enjoy face painting and a cookie and cupcake decorating workshop as well as a fun gift-wrapping session.

Most shops and restaurants will be open all day in the area allowing shoppers to tick a few presents off their Christmas list and sit and relax over lunch at one of Old Town’s pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Musicians will keep revellers spirits up as usual with performances on the main stage from China Crisis, Get Carter and Jenny Bracey among others.

Sam FM presenters will also be on hand to warm up the crowds.

Sixth Sense Theatre will put on a street performance and the Salvation Army choir will put shoppers in a festive mood with carols.

Throwing the event each year has required imagination and resourcefulness, not least to secure around £10,000 to run the event alone and a further £10,000 to maintain, store and safety check the lights.

The new organising committee had to take a leaf from their forebears’ book to breathe modernity into an already costly switch-on and realise their ambitious vision on a tight budget.

Over the past six months, the organising committee has begged (fundraised) and borrowed, only stopping short of stealing.

“We’ve had to be resourceful,” said Mark. “We work with a lot of people. We’ve fundraised and have managed to do everything on a shoestring.

"It’s not been easy. Most people think the event is being put on by the council, but it’s all done by the businesses.

"Swindon gets a lot of stick but people are very proud of Old Town. The branding and events like the Christmas Lights, that’s what gives Old Town its identity.”

The visit to Santa’s Grotto cost £3.50 and includes a gift. All proceeds will go towards next year’s event and the upkeep of the Christmas Lights.

For more information about the Old Town Christmas lights go to www.facebook.com/SwindonOldTownEvents.