THE countdown to Christmas got underway last weekend with festive light displays being switched on in three towns.

There were crowds for the events in Lydney, Newent and Ross.

At Lydney the big moment came courtesy of local artist Mary Rose Young with the assistance of town mayor Cllr Bob Berryman and the Mayor’s Cadet, Summer Elliott, of the Forest Sea Cadets.

There was what seemed like the obligatory delay between Mary Rose hitting the switch and the lights illuminating, but there was a huge cheer when, after a few seconds, the lights did come on.

Cllr Berryman said: “There always seems to be that delay but the lights look really good.

“It’s all gone very well with a good turn-out from the people of Lydney and excellent music from the training band and local musicians.”

There was music from the town’s training bands and local musicians including the Baldwin brothers.

The training band joined the choirs of Severnbanks, Lydney Church of England and Aylburton primary schools for carols.

Children also enjoyed meeting Santa and his elves in the grotto and fairground rides.

There was an impressive parade at Newent watched by hundreds of people

Some 40 people took part in the parade which included a Cinderella-themed horse and carriage and Santa’s sleigh

The town centre was also packed with stalls selling seasonal gifts, fairground rides and refreshments, before the lights were switched on by Myla Lewis.

This weekend sees the lights being switched on in Caldicot, Chepstow, Cinderford and Coleford.

Full details on the Saturday events in Chepstow, and Coleford are available in features elsewhere in this week’s paper.

Caldicot’s switch-on takes place on Friday with a market and live music from mid-afternoon while Cinderford’s parade on Saturday starts at 5pm from the Lidl car park.