Christmas lights switched on (From South Wales Argus)

Christmas lights switched on

9:23am Monday 19th November 2007

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TWO thousand people turned out to watch the switch-on of Newport's Christmas lights yesterday.

It may have been raining cats and dogs, but there was still Christmas spirit among the crowd at yesterday's lights switch-on in Newport.

Organisers feared the event at the city's High Street would have to be cancelled early on Sunday afternoon due to driving winds and heavy rain.

But worries for the safety of onlookers receded as the rain eased and local comedian and Argus blogger Jools Constant kicked off an action-packed itinerary.

Commenting on a programme that included the Newport Gospel Community Choir, Vanessa Clarke School of Dance and the Newport Male Voice Choir with a variety of carols, Mayor Allan Morris said the event showed off the best of what the city has to offer.

He said: "We have seen tonight the spirit of Newport at its very best. Despite the rain, people have been having fun and it's been a showcase of homegrown talent. I can't think of a better start to Christmas.

"The warmth of our smiles has drowned out the weather. It's great to see all the youngsters performing. It's not the image that some have of local youngsters, but it really is a sight to behold seeing them dancing and performing."

The theme of Newport folk of all ages uniting was reflected on the performances and the Argus Star for the Day winners who switched on the lights at 5.15pm.

War veteran Herbert Wallace, 83 of Malpas and Caerleon Comprehensive School pupil, Andrew Withers, 12 of Heather Road enjoyed a VIP reception in the Kings Hotel before taking to the stage.

Mr Wallace said: "I was a bit surprised to get nominated but have been really looking forward to it and we are going to have a family meal in Yates's after the switch on."

Andrew's mother Rosie added: "Andrew loves meeting people and has made lots of friends here at the reception. He liked meeting Father Christmas and had a nice chat with him."

The event usually attracts up to 6,000, but officials estimated there were around 2,000 people present. Taking the pouring rain and cold weather into account, this was a figure they were pleased with.

Newport City Council event organiser Susannah Stonehouse said: "Considering the weather, there are plenty of people here. The coffee houses are probably pretty busy though with people drying off."

Onlookers sheltered under umbrellas and shop doorways as the extravaganza finished with a colourful fireworks display lighting up the miserable sky.

X Factor contestant Andy Williams had been due to sing Silent Night but pulled out due to other commitments early in the morning.

WE ASKED people who attended what they thought of the event"

Rachel James, 32 of Bettws said: "The weather is miserable, but the show has been worth getting wet for. There has been a really good turn out and the fireworks were fantastic and the dancing was great."

Chris Williams, 41 of Newport said: "It would have been great if it hadn't have been hammering down. I watched most of it, but I had to take shelter away from the stage towards the end as my little girl was soaking wet. There are lots here though considering the weather."

Jayne Clarke, 40 of Harlequin Drive, Newport said: "It is the shame about the rain but it is still a really nice event. The website gave us all the times of the events and it was good to see all the youngsters performing and the kids loved seeing Father Christmas here.

"The lights look great, but the best part every year is the fireworks, they're amazing. I think the switch-on here is definitely better than Cardiff."

Steven Clement, 45 of Rogerstone said: "I came to see my daughter Rhianwen perform with the Vanessa Clarke School of Dance and that was great with all the youngsters performing. Apart from the weather, it's been a good night."

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