Despite freezing cold temperatures Saturday evening, a large crowd turned out to see the Buckingham Christmas Lights turned on by Town Mayor Cllr Mark Cole on Saturday evening (Saturday 30th November).
The Christmas Lights are provided by Buckingham Town Council. This year the Council has invested in all new icicle lights for the town centre. The town is looking crisper and more festive than ever this year! The Christmas tree is provided as always by Aylesbury Vale District Council.
The presentation of the Buckingham Trader of the Year took place before the festivities got under way. Awards went to Pasha and Courtyard at No.6 who this year were joint winners. The Market Trader Of The Year award went to Nigel Price who has had a stall on Buckingham market for more than 30 years.
There were performances by the Children’s Performing Arts School, Buckingham Stagecoach, who provided a lovely solo of Away In A Manager from the upstairs window of the Old Gaol. Other performances were by The Buckingham Children’s Choir, Buckingham Rock Choir, Great Horwood Silver Band. Dean Jones the Bard of Buckingham sang a song he had written for the occasion. The chorus, “Switch the Lights On!” was sung with particular feeling by the crowd. The Rev Will Pearson-Gee gave a short talk on the meaning of Christmas. The lights were then switched on by Town Mayor Cllr Mark Cole. There was also a special appearance by Father Christmas.
An events feedback form has been made available on the Town Council website, which can be used for all Town Council Events from now onwards. All comments will be taken on board; the Council is always looking for ways to improve the events held in the town.
Chairman of the Town Centre & Events Committee Cllr Andy Mahi said, “it is fantastic to see the town so well lit this year. A massive thank you to everyone who made the event happen, all the children and adults who took part, and the hard work and dedication shown by Buckingham Town Council staff in the lead up to the event.