Crowds filled Penny’s Walk on Saturday (28 November) for Ferndown’s big event of the year, the Christmas lights switch-on, organised by Ferndown Chamber of Commerce.
Local performers Jenny Oag, Evelyn Walsh, Catherine Gray and the Studio One student choir were followed by the headline act, Gugge 2000.
In their distinctive yellow-and-black costumes, the Gugge band played unique carnival-type music before counting down to the switch-on by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Julie Robinson.
Hundreds enjoyed the atmosphere and children loved meeting Santa in his grotto at the Barrington. There was also a craft fair at the centre. In Penny’s Walk, families enjoyed browsing stalls, a hog roast, roundabout rides and mystical tarot readings. Hot chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies added festive flavours and the chamber raffle with three large hampers was drawn by the mayor. Results: 1st prize: Pete Leach, 2nd prize Eddy Cranton, 3rd prize Mark Beechey.
