Festive events success
Source: Herald Express
Teignmouth kicked off with its Christmas lights switch-on and illuminated lantern parade on Friday, November 18.
School children, families and teachers from Inverteign and Hazeldown schools, together with the Carlton Theatre pantomime cast, carried home made illuminated lanterns in a parade around the town.
The route took in Teign Street, Bank Street and into the Triangle where the lights were switched by a Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike.
Sixty Christmas trees were also lit up around the town.
Students from Trinity School youth band staged a town centre musical performance.
The day was organised by Teignmouth Town Traders.
Spokesman Iain Palmer said: "It was a great day. We must have had about 400 people in total, which is great for Teignmouth."
Local councillor Sylvia Russell joined in with a festive singsong.
"It was a credit to those involved in the organisation," she said. "The children's lanterns were a delight."
The event coincided with Teignmouth Jazz Festival.
Cllr Russell added: "The switch-on, along with the festival, has given the tourism trade a great boost."
The fun lasted all day and well into the evening in Newton Abbot the following day.
World champion bike rider Kye Forte demonstrated his top-class skills in the afternoon.
There was also street entertainment, children's activities and music.
A procession through packed streets saw Santa Claus arrive in the town centre on his decorated float.
This year's carnival queen Freya Jennings transformed herself into an 'ice queen' and children from Magpies pre-school also joined in the fun.
Mayor councillor Colin Parker officially switched on the lights with a little help from Freya and Santa.
Town development manager Sally Henley was full of praise for those who helped make the switch-on a success.
She said: "It was a really fantastic day. When the procession came into Courtenay Street, I was bowled over by the amount of people that were there.
"Our switch-on is keep very traditional — it's very much a celebration of Christmas. When Santa arrived at tSt Leonard's Clock Tower, the children were completely bowled over.
"It was great. Everyone had a really good time, topped off by some fantastic fireworks."
It marked the start of Wednesday late-night shopping in Newton Abbot while Teignmouth will welcome Captain Jack Sparrow into the town centre every Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas.
