MY FAMILY and I had a great time at yet another very busy Christmas lights switch-on in the Penarth Town Centre.

I’m sure the town council will want to continue working with local businesses to improve the event again next year.

There was plenty of activity to be enjoyed to kick start the Christmas festivities in Penarth, from fairground rides and live music, to refreshments and owl-handling – we were even lucky enough to receive a visit from Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas.

This year saw the festivities grow with the first-ever traditional Lantern Parade which started from Westhouse and paraded through the town, with plenty of residents taking part.

It was great to see so many taking part in the parade itself, but also to see the number of residents who came out in force to witness this addition to the festivities.

I have previously written about Small Business Saturday which takes place next week, on the first Saturday of December, as well as showing my support for the Penarth Times’ High-Street Campaign.

It is events like this in the very heart of Penarth Town Centre which demonstrate just how lucky we are to have such a varying and vibrant collection of businesses which are so easily accessible.

It was great to also witness how the streets opened up to the more traditional businesses of selling hand-crafted Christmas gifts, and roasted chestnuts, adding to the wonderful selection of businesses we already have on offer.

If you haven’t already witnessed the Christmas spirit which is now filling the Penarth Town Centre, I’d encourage you to take a stroll one evening to enjoy the Christmas decorations which now brighten up the town.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the town council, as well as all its partners in organising and delivering the Christmas festivities this year.

Thanks should also go to all the local businesses who supported this year’s activities, and I’d encourage residents to visit and support their local businesses on Small Business Saturday in December.