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Festive cheer was in abundance on the streets of St. Helier last night as hundreds of islanders gathered to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season and watch town light up as the holiday approaches.
Santa Claus made a special appearance at the light ceremony, doing the honours of switching on the decorations – a moment which was marked by fireworks and met with cheers from the huge crowd.
Those gathered in the Royal Square watched as Santa arrived on his reindeer-drawn sleigh which had been on a parade through town accompanied by Le Petit Train, turning on lights and spreading Christmas joy as it went.
Video: The Christmas light switch-on ceremony brought some festive cheer to St. Helier's streets last night.
Christmas music blasted through the Square to commemorate the beginning of the holiday season as Santa’s sleigh continued on its journey through the Square and onto the Weighbridge.
The ceremony’s other guests of honour - the Dean of Jersey Reverend Mike Kierle, Minister for Economic Development Senator Lyndon Farnham, Constable Simon Crowcroft and Miss St. Helier, Maisie Robertson, also addressed the crowds.
Pictured: Senator Lyndon Farnham (left) and Constable Simon Crowcroft (right) with mascot Pantosaurus (centre).
Constable Crowcroft said: “Welcome to St. Helier for the switch on of our Christmas lights!... Thank you for coming and thank you for spending your money in town and not online!"
The St. Helier Constable also commented that this year’s crowd was the biggest he had ever seen.
Pictured: Christmas angels graced the square with their glowing presence and sparkling personalities.
Also getting involved in the celebration were Christmas comedy elves Elfin and Bob, Pudsey Bear and Pantosaurus who particularly impressed the children with his dance moves.
The ceremony marked the beginning of late-night shopping where a large number of retailers will be open until 21:00 on Thursdays and from 10:00 until 17:00 on Sundays in the run up to Christmas.
Fête dé Noué @StHelierJsy tonight's switch-on: fireworks blaze over the Royal Square pic.twitter.com/WKQCumQmfs
— Geraint Jennings (@GeraintJennings) November 22, 2018
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