CHRISTMAS in Cole-

ford is well and truly underway following the lights switch-on and a celebration of the town’s small businesses last weekend.

Coalway Junior School choir performed Christmas songs to launch festivities on Friday and a performance followed from Caroline Jayne from Bream. The mayor of Coleford judged the Christmas window competition, which was won by Gwyn James Solicitors with Beauty Spot in second place, Aspire Hair in third and many others highly commended by the mayor. Santa handed out gifts from his Clock Tower Christmas Grotto.

Organiser Cllr Nick Penny said: “We’re extremely grateful to the team of volunteers who work so hard to light up the town. It was a fantastic event with record crowds. The cold dry weather helped as more people came out and the music encouraged people to stay longer. Lucozade Rib­ena Suntory also supported the event, offering warm Ribena and mince pies to the public.

“We’ll have new lights and a new format next year so this gives us a really good platform to build on and was really encouraging for councillors and volunteers.”

On Saturday, 21 businesses participated for the first time in national campaign, Small Business Saturday. Berry Hill Band and Ukes

uv ‘Azzard provided musical entertainment around the town.

Nick added: “The event encouraged people to shop locally and some businesses noticed that they had a really busy day. It definitely generated an awareness of small shops and, as a town council, we’re always keen to work with traders.

“We ran a competition for people who visited 12 of our 21 businesses to win a hamper. Those who went the extra mile and collected all 21 went in the draw to win tickets for a Café Sixteen bistro night.”

•See more photographs in this week’s Review.