THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas officially got underway in Stratford with the switching on of the town’s lights.
Hundreds of festive folk, both young and not so young, turned out to watch Santa flick the switch at the town hall on Thursday evening.
Carols and festive songs echoed in the streets as mince pies, mulled wine and other festive favourites were savoured.
There was also the chance to start the shopping at the Christmas Market – and for those who missed it the Christmas Market will be in town every Thursday in the run up to the big day, with free parking in all council-run town centre car parks – Arden Street, Church Street, Recreation ground, Leisure Centre, Swans Nest Lane, Windsor Street but excluding Bridgeway multi storey and Bridgeway surface – from 4pm to midnight through to December 19.
And the three day Victorian Christmas Market runs from December 6 to 8.
