FESTIVE fever swept through Stonehouse on Saturday as hundreds of residents crowded into the High Street for the annual Goodwill Festival and Christmas lights switch-on.


Traders and charities manned brightly decorated stalls selling seasonal snacks as well as goodies and gifts, whilst children visited Santa in his grotto or went to see the traditional Punch and Judy show in the town hall.


A balloon bender and a mysterious magician contributed an extra touch of Christmas magic to proceedings and there were also carol and drama performances from local schools.
 

The event proved a huge hit with young and old alike as traders wore pantomime themed fancy dress and youngsters admired the flashy fire engine. 
 

In true Christmas fashion, tinsel sparkled, fake snow fell and seasonal songs filled the air before the lights were switched on by Santa Claus and the mayor to loud applause.
 

"In one word it was excellent," said the mayor Chris Brine. "We had way more stalls than last year and we were able to raise lots of money for the skate park.
 

"It was the first year we had our Christmas tree and there were hundreds who attended during the course of the afternoon and evening.
 

"I was walking up and down speaking to the various stall holders and traders and they all said they were having a really successful day."