Town seeks volunteers to press the Christmas lights button

The town of Chatteris in Cambridgeshire, famous for its elaborate Christmas light displays, held a grand celebration this past weekend to mark the 40th anniversary of its festive switch-on.

The Chatteris Christmas Lights Committee, founded in 1985, invited anyone who had previously contributed to the displays to join in the special event on Saturday. The switch-on attracted thousands of visitors to the town centre, turning it into a bustling festive hub.

Committee chairman Chris Savill explained that the team "tried every possible way to reach 39 former participants" and successfully contacted around 25, with 10 able to attend. The streets were filled with crowds eager to witness the annual celebration.

Mr. Savill, who has been involved with the lights for 26 years and served as chairman for 13, said the seven-member team wanted to create a "memorable occasion to celebrate 40 years of our work."

"Each year, a local primary school selects a child to press the button that switches on the lights. Some of these children are now nearly 50, with families of their own," he added.

During the event, Mr. Savill announced his resignation as chairman. "At 72, its time to allow new energy and ideas to lead the committee," he said.

Among the attendees was Mary Donger, now 40, who recalled switching on the lights at age five in 1990. "Being invited back for this years event was an honor and brought back so many wonderful memories," she said. She remembered the excitement of being chosen by lottery at her school and meeting Father Christmas, who gave her a chocolate Santa.

Devon Mandley, 32, who first activated the lights in 1996 at age three in memory of her late father, also participated. "I will never forget being the center of attention that day," she said. A tree in the town is illuminated in her fathers honor, keeping his memory alive each year.

Ms. Mandley, now a mother of two living in Peterborough, believes she may hold the record for the youngest person ever to switch on the lights.

The Christmas display will remain lit daily from 3:00 PM to midnight until January 5. The current committee consists of seven members, with approximately 15 additional volunteers assisting in setting up the extensive decorations.

Author: Sophia Brooks