FOR years Chris Wannell spent the evening of the Royal Wootton Bassett Christmas lights and shopping event working hard behind the scenes, making sure everything was going smoothly.

But on Friday he was the star attraction as he finally got to throw the switch and light up the town centre.

The high street was packed with families, wrapped up warm against the cold and determined to have a good time.

After the ceremony he said: “It is a great honour to be asked to do it. But I must admit I felt very strange to be on the stage being the one to switch them on.”

Usually, he said, he was the one searching for the chosen guest.

The event was started by the town chamber of trade many years ago and when it folded local showman George Scarrott was among a group of volunteers asked to step in and help run the show.

“Three generations of his family have helped with the lights,” said Mr Wannell, who is due to step down as a town councillor after four decades in office. His own son had also got involved in organising the night.

“It was all done by volunteers and it was hard work. We used to start putting the lights up on the second week in October and it was a rush to get them done for the first Monday in December,” he said.

Stalls lined the high street, which was closed to traffic for the occasion and the aroma of festive treats such as mulled wine and mince pies mixed with those of candy floss, hot dogs and a hog roast.

A long queue of hopeful children waited patiently for an audience with Santa in his grotto, while proud parents watched their youngsters singing on the stage.

More than 200 performers were taking part in the entertainment both on the stage and around the centre, including singer Jacob Vincent.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance mascot Wilber the bear put in an appearance and there were children’s rides and sideshows to keep everyone amused. One tent housed a djembe drumming session.

But one of the most popular draws was the town’s fire crew who spent the evening showing wide-eyed youngsters around their fire engine.

Among them was Alice Palmer’s son Ben.

“It’s the first time I’ve been to this and my kids love it. They are so excited about Christmas. There is such a lovely atmosphere here, the whole family is enjoying it,” she said.

“It’s a great night for the children especially.”