CHRISTMAS officially got underway in Cricklade and Wroughton on Saturday.

The Cricklade Christmas lights switch-on continues to grow each year and 2016 was no different.

Shops stayed open late and the High Street was closed off to traffic allowing the community to pour out onto the streets.

Wrapped up warm with jingle bells in hand, the crowds joined the Cricklade Band and the 4/4 Community Choir in renditions of popular Christmas carols.

The evening got off to a great start with the first Cricklade’s got Talent show completed with dance acts, singing and everything in between.

But, of course, the everyone had all been waiting for was the Christmas lights switch-on.

Rather than opting for a celebrity, Cricklade gave the honour of switching on the lights to three young children from their own community, a popular choice judging by the crowd’s reaction.

Jasper Hughes, 10, Grace Valpy, also 10, and her sister six-year-old Abigail were the lucky trio.

Jasper’s mum, Sarah Hughes, said: “It’s such a lovely opportunity for the children to have a go. It was really special for them.”

Grace and Abigail’s mum Jo said the pair had been looking forward to the big day for weeks and judging by the smiles on their faces, it was worth the wait.

Then it was time for the arrival of a special guest – as a chorus of jingle bells rang out along the street, Father Christmas made his way past the crowds and on to his grotto in the White Hart pub.

Escorted by the town crier and players from the Cricklade rugby team, he waved to the children who had waited all evening in the cold to welcome him.

Town crier of three years Eric Cripps said: “This is always a fantastic event, something to look forward to every year.

“It’s lovely to see so many people come out and take part, everything stays open and people have a fantastic time.”

All the way across Swindon, in Wroughton, they too were enjoying an evening of festive celebrations.

Crowds gathered at the Willow Brook Garden, outside the Ellendune Community Centre, to watch the magical moment gold stars lit up the 25ft tree Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw was joined by pupils from Wroughton Infant School and Wroughton Junior School to switch on the lights.

A festive performance from the Wroughton Silver band kicked off proceedings before tuneful renditions of Christmas carols Silent Night, Away in a Manger and O Come All Ye Faithful from the Churches Together in Wroughton Singers choir.

And no Christmas light switch-on would be complete without an appearance from the main man himself, Father Christmas who, along with his elves, held a yule-tide meet-and-greet with the children.

Jo Baker, 40, attended with six-year-old son Rico. The pair, who donned tinsel and antlers for the occasion were celebrating their first Wroughton Christmas switch-on after the family’s move in April.

“I think it’s fantastic, it feels so festive here and I love the community in Wroughton. Everyone has made us feel so welcome since we moved here so I’m really looking to the evening and seeing the tree all lit-up,” she said.