Hundreds of revellers cheered as St Helier was painted gold with fireworks and twinkling bulbs last night at the annual Christmas lights switch-on, marking the official start of the Fête dé Noué, now in its 17th year.
Jack and the Beanstalk’s Dame Tilly Trott (Paul Lano) flicked the switch to applause from Santa’s armies – two processions that had set off from Millennium Park and Howard Davis Park simultaneously to spread Christmas cheer throughout town before arriving at the Royal Square – and a storm of snowflake confetti.
Following the countdown, a short delay in the switching on of the tree lights on the church-facing side of the Royal Square caused temporary concern, but their illumination a short while later was met with clapping and cheers. The fireworks – lighting the sky in gold, red, green and blue – commenced straight after.
Yuletide merrymakers were joined in celebration by mischievous squirrels, Christmas fairies and special guest Santa, while magic performances and live music provided background entertainment.
VIDEO: A young Islander shouts, “Happy Christmas, Santa!” as he arrives in the Royal Square, accompanied by some magical friends.
With temperatures low at 12 degrees, Islanders warmed themselves with mulled wine free mince pies from the Tiki Hut, and sampled seasonal treats from Genuine Jersey and Norman French food stalls, based at the Weighbridge’s new ‘Arctic Village’.
Islander Doug Faichnie was full of praise for the event and its staff. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. One of our party, Adam Dalton (10) is disabled and a wheelchair user. The event staff were extremely helpful, and fun and kind. Adam especially enjoyed the fireworks and the countdown to the lights coming on. Great time had by all!”
Pictured: Jersey Scout Band provided music, as well as choirs from local schools.
The festive lights – this year with a golden theme to match the King Street wall of light – were the product of the efforts of the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) Road Signs and Markings team, who worked tirelessly from 6:00 each day from 17 October to fit the 50 new frames and side hangers.
Deputy Richard Rondel, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure commented: “The DfI staff do a terrific job on displaying the lights throughout the heart of St Helier every year. I have seen a preview of the new display and I think that it looks great. I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying our wonderful town during the festive period.”
In Pictures: Christmas Lights Switch-on 2016
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