Shoppers braved the strong winds of Storm Arwen to venture into Swanage town centre for the annual Christmas Lights switch on, while festive displays twinkled in shop windows.
Last year in 2020, the town still sparkled with Christmas lights but while we were all still in lockdown, there was no traditional switch on event.
Raffle winner Mia switches on the Swanage Christmas lights assisted by Swanage Town Mayor Avril Harris and the Swanage Town Crier Andrew Fleming
The magic moment
This year, part of Station Road was closed to allow children and adults plenty of space to watch the magic moment when all the festive lights lit up the town centre.
A raffle was held to choose the lucky child who got to press the switch to turn on the lights, assisted by Swanage Town Mayor Avril Harris and the Swanage Town Crier Andrew Fleming.
Institute Road
The Christmas tree at Swanage Railway Station
The High Street
Fundraising events
There were also fundraising events to raise money for local charities #Willdoes and the Wonderful Studland Ladies.
The Swanage Chamber of Trade has organised a What’s Not My Line festive shop window competition to raise funds to buy more Christmas lights for the town. £1 to enter and competition forms from the Amber Bay shop in Institute Road. A good excuse to browse in all Swanage’s independent shop windows!
Swanage Town Mayor Avril Harris with surprise guest Father Christmas
Tinsel, fairy lights and Christmas trees
Although not yet December, many shops had already got out their Christmas decorations and festooned their displays with tinsel, fairy lights and Christmas trees, to coincide with the town’s Christmas light switch on.
