River of light

John Parkinson was selected to turn on the lights after being nominated by his three grandchildren as best grandparent in Calne.

He pulled the switch on the central Christmas tree at 6pm after arriving in town on Santa's sleigh pulled by six reindeer. The lights around the town had been switched on at 4pm.

Mark Wilkins, community development officer, said: "It was a fantastic success. It all went smoothly and safely. The atmosphere was amazing. We were very, very pleased."

The river of light was a new addition to the annual event and 287 lanterns and ten sculptural lanterns were

paraded around the town centre.

Children flooded the streets with their decorated handmade lanterns as they walked from The Pippin for a quarter of a mile around the town.

"The river of light was incredible. Everyone really supported it," said Mr Wilkins.

The idea came to Mr Wilkins after he saw a parade at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. He was so impressed he decided it would be a great idea to bring it to Calne and involve all the community.

Free lantern-making workshops have been running for two weeks so people could create their own lantern to display at the switch-on ceremony.

He said: "Everyone just took it up. Next year we want it to be even bigger. We don't want to lose the community involvement."

This year the workshops were funded by grants from the National Lottery Awards for All Scheme, The Arts Council and local businesses.

Another highlight of the evening were the reindeer who pulled Santa into town. It was their third visit to the town.

Mr Wilkins said: "They were a great attraction and incredibly popular again.

"The children were allowed to go right up to the pen to see them."

Adults enjoyed a glass of mulled wine, while children ate mince pies and petted Santa's reindeer.

There were also 36 stalls, an arts and crafts market and late-night shopping.

Mr Wilkins said: "Calne is fast being recognised for one of the most community focused events around."