Chatteris came alive when it snowed for an hour amid the cheers of hundreds of people who turned out to celebrate the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights for the 30th year.
A special film set machine was rolled into town to cover the streets in a heavy sprinkling of seasonal snowfall to add the finishing touches to the event.
The weather may not have been kind, with high wind and rain, but plenty of people wrapped up to brave the elements and join in the switch on countdown.
Chris Savill, Christmas lights committee chairman, said: “The weather wasn’t kind but the fact we had snow really took the event to a new level. Children and adults alike enjoyed it.
“It was a great turn out, probably around 2,000 people. Massive thanks go to everybody involved in helping organise the night, who all give their time for free to provide a popular community attraction.
“For us it is Christmas all year as we start sorting things out in January. We are always looking for new members to help so if anyone is interested then go to our website for details.”
Established in 1985, the Chatteris lights committee members are voluntary and the results of their hours of hard work, before and after the switch on event, are welcomed by residents and visitors over the festive season, he said.
During the Christmas period the lights are on daily from 3pm until midnight.
“The lights have been a great success story from the outset, and with well deserved support from the community, will continue to be so.
“Each year generous local people organise coffee mornings, quizzes, bring and buys and other events to raise funds for the lights for which the committee is extremely grateful.
“Without all this selfless activity the annual display would become a struggle.”
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