Huge crowds at biggest ever Ross-on-Wye Christmas switch-on

This year’s Christmas Fayre organised by Ross-on-Wye Town Council was a huge success with over 70 stalls selling wonderful gifts and plenty of scrumptious food and drink.

Huge crowds joined in the festivities on the day with plenty to keep them entertained including live music by the Border Belles, Erica Jean, Chocolate Teapot, the Penyard Singers, Ross Town Band, as well as street entertainment by Jive by the Wye and the Grinch, whose mischievous pranks kept visitors on their toes.

The queue for Santa’s Grotto was busy all day with lots of children eager to meet him.

Richard Hammond with Ross-on-Wye town councillors (Image: Ross-on-Wye Town Council)

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The reindeer, provided by Smart Trees, attended for a couple of hours, and delighted the many adults and children who were keen to say hello and learn more about these wonderful animals.

The day was hosted by Ben Abbott, who helped to build the excitement for the lights switch on at 4.30pm which was conducted by TV presenter and local resident, Richard Hammond.

Before the countdown and the switching on of the lights, including the town’s brand-new hedgehog themed lights, Richard spoke to the crowd to share his fondness of the town.

The Grinch at Ross-on-Wye Christmas fair (Image: Ross-on-Wye Town Council)

“I am so very happy, as is my family, to be living here in Ross-on-Wye, we are very proud of this little town. I gather today has been an immense success,” he said.

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“I have certainly enjoyed mooching around. I hope all the stalls have enjoyed a successful day.

Richard Hammond at Ross-on-Wye Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Ross-on-Wye Town Council)

“Everything we do at Christmas, the sharing of food, the exchanging of gifts, it is about love and friendship, and that is something you can experience for free very much in Ross-on-Wye.”

Ross-on-Wye Town Council would like to thank the following people who made the event possible Ben Abbott, all the stall holders, the performers, the fantastic volunteers, Scaffolding 2000, Lucas Motorcycles, AP Stage Solutions, the Grinch, Smart Trees, the Community First Responders, PCSO Claire Denton, Looby Lou Parties, Caple Security, the Town Crier, Made in Ross, Morrisons, Fibre Heroes, The Venue, EnviroAbiity, FC Muggeridge and Son, Steve Oakey, and a huge thank you to Richard Hammond.