THE festive season got underway with the traditional switching on of the Christmas lights across the Forest and Severnside.

There were festivities in Bulwark and Caldicot on Friday evening and at Cinderford, Lydney, Chepstow and Newent on Saturday.

There were slight hiccoughs at Caldicot and Lydney where the lights refused to come on at first time of asking but they eventually behaved themselves.

At Bulwark, the honour of lighting up the tree, which is on its traditional site outside the Severn Bridge Club in Bulwark Road, went to long-time resident Eileen Ryan, who is 91.

Younger members of Lydney RFC were keen to meet the guest of honour at the town’s switch-on which also featured music from the Lydney Training Band.

Gloucester RFC favourite and former British Lion Richard joined Mayor of Lydney, Cllr Bob Berryman, to perform the honours.

At Cinderford there was the traditional parade, led by Santa from the Lidl supermarket car park through the town centre to The Triangle.

There was a whole afternoon of entertainment in Chepstow High Street ahead of the switch-on and an appearance by Santa.

Those on stage included the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School Christmas Choir, Wyedean Gospel Choir, ChAOS Music and Drama, and Kre8ive Kids. The Widders Border Morris also performed.

Santa had some help from Newport East MP Jessica Morden, the constituency’s Assembly Member John Griffiths and Deputy Mayor of Caldicot Oliver Edwards in turning on the lights at Caldicot.

Entertainment was provided by a range of groups and singers including the Dewstow Primary School Choir, Caldicot Musical Theatre Society, the Singing Clubs of the Forest, Chepstow, Duke’s Yard and Usk, and the Severn Tunnel Band.

Cllr Edwards also announced that the winner of the best dressed window competition was the St David’s Foundation shop.

Attention turns to Coleford on Saturday (December 2) with an afternoon of entertainment before the new Christmas lights are switched on.

The following Friday (December 8) Christmas in Monmouth gets underway with the annual parade from the old Monnow Bridge.