THOUSANDS braved the rain and wind to attend a much-changed Christmas lights switch-on event in Chippenham this evening.

Despite heavy rain showers throughout the day, the high street was full by 6pm as the crowds enjoyed performances from Stagecoach Chippenham and Melksham, guitarist Jarid Clark and party band Reloaded.

At 7pm, Warwick Davis and comedian Andy Ford, who are both starring in panto Snow White at the Bristol Hippodrome, entered the temporary stage on the town bridge to drop the plunger and light up the centre of the town.

Chippenham BID manager, Carolyn Brownell, said: "In spite of the weather I think this just shows you how passionate the people of Chippenham are about their town - they actually filled the entire high street."

The Fairy Tale Christmas Event, as it was billed by organisers Chippenham BID, in partnership with Chippenham Town Council, also saw Roller Disco in the Neeld Community and Arts Centre and a Christmas market in the market place.

Mayor David Powell said: "The roller disco seems to be going really well.

"I just hope it's going to be a successful Christmas for all the businesses in the town. The weather is obviously a disappointing but there's not a lot we can do that about."