Friday Evening 2nd December 2011 Christmas is fast approaching and the Aylsham Cittaslow Community Events Committee organised a successful and fabulous evening to switch on the lights of the town.

Friday December 2 saw ceremonies and fun in Aylsham. A lantern procession left St Michael’s School, Aylsham, at 5.45pm and everyone was invited to join it in the Market Place, via the churchyard, and wait for the arrival of Father Christmas and the 6pm switch-on.

Church bells rang and Aylsham Town Band played a selection of seasonal favourites in the Market Place and later in the parish church where there was a Christmas tree festival.

Santa arrived on a motorbike,a very unusual mode of transport - which was kept a closely-guarded secret. Young visitors met him in his Eclipse Hair Salon grotto, on Red Lion Street.

Many shops stayed open and there were local crafts on sale, biscuit making and lots more going on in Aylsham Town Hall. Food was also on offer in the town hall and Market Place.

Fairground rides, entertainment, charity and farmers’ market stalls, and children’s workshops  added to the merriment.

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