FORMER EastEnders star Shaun Williamson, Swindon Town players and Miss Swindon illuminated a dark drizzly night when they switched on the Old Town Christmas lights last night.

Wood Street was packed with a cheery crowd, who braved the rain to see the line-up of performances hosted by GWR presenter Howard Taylor.



They started to hum the EastEnders theme tune in unison with Shaun, who played Barry Evans, in Eastenders.

“It is great to be in Swindon Old Town and do three hours of my community service,” he joked.

The actor, who also starred in Ricky Gervais’s hit comedy series Extras, is playing a wicked magician in a production of Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre.

Shrieks greeted players Billy Paynter and Simon Cox as they appeared on the stage.

“It is going really well for us with loads of goals going in,” said Billy.

He has scored 15 so far and his dad has given him a target of 25.

Swindon Mayor Steve Wakefield and Swindon town cryer Fred Ferris also joined the countdown to the switch-on.

“I am absolutely taken aback by the amount of people that have crammed into Wood Street,” said Councillor Wakefield. “It really is toe to toe. It is also nice to see the Town players. As they have and important match coming up against Walsall, we don’t want them wet and getting a cold. It is also great to see Miss Swindon Rebecca Cole. And I want to say congratulations to everybody who has been involved.”

Among the performers were young people from Success Martial Arts showed off their black belt moves with high kicks Tanwood School dancers also put on an enchanting performance dressed in olde-worlde costumes.

After the countdown Santa arrived on his sleigh and the Swindon male voice choir sang carols.

Organiser Harry Bromley said despite a few setbacks, such as the stage not turning up, the night was still a success.

“This the 12th year but I feel our unlucky 13th has come early. Despite circumstances conspiring against us thousands of people have still turned out. And they look like they have enjoyed it,” he said.

He pointed out how the Edwardian buildings in Old Town provided an ideal back drop for a traditional Christmas celebration.

Mum-of-two Lena Kandber, 35, said: “My daughter Annabel loved it. I love Christmas and it is so nice that they put this event on.”