THE stage was set and the countdown complete – Winchester’s Christmas lights were nowhere to be seen.
X Factor band The Reason and Mayor of Winchester Cllr Richard Izard had hoped to bring a bright end to the event but the countdown had started too early, and the illuminations did not appear until a few minutes later. But once they came on the crowd cheered as the city was transformed into a winter wonderland. Aside from the technical hitch, the evening was hailed a great success, with about 900 people getting into the Christmas spirit.
Southampton-based The Reason entered to rapturous applause and screaming girls before performing a selection of covers, including Christ-mas hits such as East 17’s Stay Another Day.
The switch-on took place in the Broadway in front of the Guildhall for the first time. There was also a Christmas market with stalls.
Echo picture by Paul Collins.
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