Old Town Christmas Lights 2003 

Sammy Parkin and Tommy Mooney perform the big switch on

 

Swindon Town's star strike-force, 'Super' Sammy Parkin and Tommy Mooney, lit up Old Town on 20 November when the pair switched on the Christmas lights to a rousing cheer.

 

On the plunger: STFC's Sam Parkin (l) and Tommy Mooney

Over two thousand strong people braved the drizzle to see the players and to marvel at the festive illuminations adorning the oldest part of Swindon. The whole event was beamed live on TV and local radio.

In a fun-packed evening of entertainment, the two leading scorers were joined by characters from the Wyvern panto, Goldilocks and the three bears, the Tanwood Dancers, Robbo the Clown, Jet Set Jackie and even a fire eating juggler.

The Swindon male voice choir were also be on hand to sing traditional Christmas charols accompanied by the Wroughton Silver Band.

Entertaining the crowd: the Tanwood dancers

The popular event was compered by GWRfm's breakfast DJ, Howard Taylor, with Swindon's official town cryer, Fred Ferris leading the countdown to the big switch-on.

The evening concluded with a grand procession down Wood Street led by the Swindon Round Table Santa and his sleigh.

Speaking about the event, organisor, Harry Bromley of the Old Town Business and Professional Association said:

"The annual light switch-on in Old Town is becoming well known as being the best event of its kind in the county.

"It really helps to put one of the best parts of Swindon on the map," he added.

 

The Christmas lights in the Town centre will be switched in the Parade by soap star, Ross Davidson, on Thursday, 27 November (see link below).