Children enjoying the Oakengates Christmas lights even in the fake snow

Thousands of people braved freezing temperatures to watch the skies above Shropshire towns light up for Christmas.

The official Christmas light switch-ons saw the smaller communities get in the festive spirit after months of preparations.

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Organisers in Oakengates were celebrating success after 2,000 people turned out to watch the switch-on at 5.30pm by Richard Calkin and Paul Squire – stars from the Oakengates pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

Councillor Alan Maddy, chairman of the social and events committee of Oakengates Town Council, said: “The lights look absolutely gorgeous. It was very, very good.”

The switch-on was followed by a festive chorus of Christmas carols by the Salvation Army.

Meanwhile, the theatre stars continued to entertain the crowds in Shifnal where the Dame from The Place’s Beauty and the Beast pantomime, played by Alastair Horne, joined Beacon Radio’s Stuart Haycock to light up the town at Cheapside Car Park.

The centrepiece was a new 20ft high tiered aluminium conical tree.

In Bridgnorth the town’s mayor, councillor Brian Jones, switched on the town’s lights, joined by the mayoress, Rebecca Jones, and members of the Highley Band.

Mrs Jones said: “It was very pleasant and the lights look beautiful now that they’re on.”

In Market Drayton, people packed the streets to take part in a range of activities put on as part of the town’s Festival of Lights.

Carol Chapman, from the Drayton Civic Society, said the event went “very well” and had lifted morale. She said: “I think everybody agreed it was a good evening out.”

In Ellesmere, Santa Claus arrived by canal boat to the wharfage where he opened the residents’ Christmas present – the new town square.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of the Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce, said the town’s Winter Festival went “really well” and the shops were “buzzing”.

The festive celebrations continued across the border where hundreds of people turned out outside the Town Hall in Welshpool.

Town councillor Tony Squibb said: “It is hard to say how many but certainly several hundreds of people attended and they all had a marvellous time.”

People in Newtown attended the switch-on celebrations in Market Street where fireworks were set off.

Wellington’s High Street switch-on is due to take place at 4.45pm today.