Massive crowds for Big Switch On

The Big Switch On is becoming a must-go-to event in the Audlem calendar.

Helped by a dry, very pleasant evening, massive crowds flocked to Wharf last night to see the arrival of Santa Claus on Audlem Lass as the boat wove its way through floating candles with several showy spins to delight eager children and adults alike.

Santa then led the procession through the beautifully lit village to see the large tree in the Square illuminated by Olive & Geoff Stretch's grandson Ellis. Geoff and Olive had sponsored the lighting display this year to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

The Big Tree has been kindly donated to ADAS and the Village by Angela and Graham Allinson of Hatherton.

Before the Big Switch On, Mike Haines of ADAS thanked the many other people who seem to have been working for days, or who provided vital facilities, to help make the evening possible:

• Richard Furber
• Jonathan Gleave
• Pete Hollinshead
• Andy and Clare McLintock
• Mike and Jan Carroll
• Martin and Chrissie Sullivan
• Phil Baker
• Alan and Jo of the Lord Combermere
• and all the ADAS team

Earlier, the children had begun the night with the FASA parade of children from the school while down on the Wharf, the Audlem Lass team were lighting the floating candles to make wishes and raise funds for the RNLI.

Even adults were moved by the magical sight on the canal as Santa floated by in style, a wonderful start to another great Audlem event organised by ADAS, FASA, Audlem Traders and the Audlem Lass team.

The village shops, boutiques and the Charity Shop – which had a large outside stall – were busy and hopefully enjoying a successful start to the Festive Season. They stayed open well into the evening while a long queue snaked from Santa's grotto at 17 Shropshire Street.

The Big Switch on has become a magical event for all ages and Audlem now seems set up for Christmas and must surely be the best dressed village for many a mile. Any residents who missed the evening's festivities are encouraged to watch the AudemOnline video here.

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