CHRISTMAS festivities will begin in Alton on Friday, November 24, with the official switching on of the town centre lights. To take place beside the Christmas tree in the Market Square, the ceremony will begin at 6 pm with a welcome by the Alton Town Mayor, Dave Crocker. There will be carols, music and greetings from the children of Wootey Junior and Infant Schools, the Salvation Army band, Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society, Holybourne Youth Theatre and the town mayor's chaplain. Introducing the line-up will be town crier Stan Whitcher, with Mr Crocker switching on the festive lights. To add to the occasion, Santa will be arriving in a vintage car, escorted by members of the Alton Lions and a small procession of children carrying home-made lanterns. This year's Christmas lights which, according to deputy town clerk Greg Burt will "outshine" those in surrounding towns, cost Alton Town Council in the region of £15,000. Because the council receives no rates from businesses, as in previous years it is asking local traders to contribute a minimum donation of £25 each towards the running costs. Mr Burt explained: "The town council tries to improve the lights each year and this season is no exception." Once again this year, the giant Christmas tree, soon to be erected in the Market Square, will be sponsored by the Mill Lane-based company, Opus Telecom. And there are to be five new displays on lighting columns at the roundabout in Drayman's Way, sponsored by neighbouring Sainsbury's. Additional strings of lighting around the Market Square and down Cross and Pillory Lane, are to be extended across the front of Westbrook House in the High Street and over the ornamental arch leading to the Public Gardens. "This will provide added lighting in an area of the High Street where there are few columns upon which feature displays can be mounted," said Mr Burt. He confirmed that the lights will once again be mainly red, green and white, a combination that has received many compliments for being "colourful yet tasteful". There has been one hiccup. "Regrettably, there will be no lights at the bottom of Market Street, due to problems in locating a power supply box needed to meet current regulations. "Furthermore, due to the soaring cost of electricity, councillors have taken the decision to shorten the hours that the displays will be lit." Rather than coming on at noon, the illuminations will be switched on at 3 pm and will go off at midnight, each evening, until 12th night (January 6). Alton Town Council's tecreation committee chairman Pam Bradford believes Alton has a lot going for it this Christmas. "Alton may not have the big, indoor shopping malls, but few towns can rival its festive atmosphere, with some of the best Christmas lights around, complemented by wonderful shop window displays. "While M & S may not have arrived just yet, many new shops and cafes have opened in the town this year, so it should be easier than ever to try to do as much of your Christmas shopping in Alton." • The switch-on evening precedes the huge Yuletide Festival on Saturday, December 3, in the town centre organised by Alton Town Council, Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Alton Initiatives Management (AIM).
