De-light-ful
THE big Christmas lights switch-on took place in St Ives and Ramsey. There was a Dickensian Market in St Ives on Sunday and a firework display, singing and dancing in Ramsey – and a visit from Father Christmas at both events. Music and dancing took place
THE big Christmas lights switch-on took place in St Ives and Ramsey.
There was a Dickensian Market in St Ives on Sunday and a firework display, singing and dancing in Ramsey - and a visit from Father Christmas at both events.
Music and dancing took place in Great Whyte, in Ramsey, with the Peterborough Highland Pipe Band, carol singing led by children from Ashbeach School, in Ramsey St Mary's, and the Baptist Church Choir. There was a nativity procession of primary school children.
The lights were switched on by Sheila Kilby, whose late husband Terry, a Ramsey businessman, was instrumental in bringing Christmas lights to the town in 1970, when as a member of the Ramsey Chamber of Trade he took the initiative of fundraising and organising the event.
When the chamber became defunct, he continued as chairman of the Ramsey Christmas Lights Committee until prevented by ill-health. Mrs Kilby was joined by Ramsey Abbey pupil Abbie Starling, who started to raise money for the lights as a pupil at Ramsey Junior School last year.
In St Ives, the fun started with the Dickensian Christmas market. The lights were switched on by Billy Byrne, one of the stars of TV show DIY SOS, with the help of Father Christmas and his elves and the Mayor of St Ives, Councillor Deborah Reynolds.
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Carols were sung by pupils from Wheatfields School, who also provided a sign language choir. There was entertainment from the Guitart School of Dance, London entertainer Nick Robson, St Ives singer Chris Triggs and Q103 Radio presenters.
