Crowd pour in to see the lights go on (From Penarth Times)

Crowd pour in to see the lights go on

SCORES of Penarth residents flooded into the town centre on Friday night for the annual switching on ceremony.

Streets were packed out as town mayor Cllr Carole Clifford flicked the switch to light up the roundabout Christmas tree, as well as coloured bulbs strung across Windsor Road and the top of Stanwell Road. Children were full of glee as Father Christmas visited on his sleigh, with his helpers giving out presents.

£81.65 was raised in a street collection. Both Penarth Town Council, which organised the event, and Penarth Round Table will use this money to make hampers for needy people in the town.

Cllr Clifford said: "We had a countdown to the switching on and it was brilliant. It stayed dry for the hour while we were singing and dancing, so that was really good.

"The tree is beautifully shaped and we've got more coloured bulbs this year instead of white bulbs. It looks so good. The Cogan Coronation Choir was wonderful, singing carols to set the mood. There was a carousel and the scouts' hot chestnuts and donuts - it was lovely."

The crowd was also entertained by the talented Jane Clarke Dancers. On Monday, Cllr Clifford visited shops, businesses and organisations to deliver collection boxes for the Penarth Santa Claus and Benevolent Fund. This raises money for people in need at Christmas time.

For more information on donating money for the cause, call Penarth Town Council on 2070 0721.