Rain takes shine off Telford Christmas lights switch-on
Colourful primates and deep sea explorers helped to bring a bit of a Christmas magic to Telford town centre.
Panzee and Zak, stars of BBC's ZingZillas, and Captain Barnacle and Kwazii, from The Octonauts, danced on stage as the yule lights were turned on at Telford Shopping Centre yesterday. The wind and rain meant 300 or so packed onto the Ash Grey car park to watch the fun, well down on the usual numbers.
But those who did brave the elements enjoyed the event.
The Bukarania family from Lightmoor Village, including seven-year-old Ethan and two-year-old Amelie, came to see the ZingZillas. Mum Julie said: "We were determined to come despite the rain. We always come and it seems a little bit better organised this year than last."
Steve Butler and Katie Kortbeek, from Wellington, brought their children Charlie and Harriett, four and seven, along.
Mr Butler said: "We were there since 4pm and it was freezing. Maybe they could think about doing it inside in the future."
Sarah-Jane Hodgkiss was found sheltering outside Marks & Spencer with her children Sophie-Jane and Mitchell.
Six-year-old Mitchell said: "I love ZingZillas because they're monkeys."
Mrs Hodgkiss said: "This gets you in the Christmas mood. It'd take more than a bit of rain to put us off."
Kaitlyn and Harley Harris, eight and five, were at the switch-on with their parents.
Their older siblings Callum, 16, and Ellie, 14, had made a dash for the shops, though.
Mum Kelly Harris said: "The kids nagged me to come and see ZingZillas."
The lights were switched on half an hour early after the big countdown from 10.
Santa's grotto is now open every day until Christmas Eve.
