Barnstaple switches on with Noisettes

BARNSTAPLE'S Spirit of Christmas event heralded the start of the festive season in the town.

Despite the rain and wind crowds flocked to The Square for the lights switch-on event yesterday.

Local musicians, Jaden Cornelious, Jenna Witts, Maybe Naked and Sam Dowden set the scene for the build up to the switch on.

Breaks Collective appeared just before the North Devon Hospice bumper draw where a new Ford KA was won by Sharon Lee, 39, from Filleigh.

Despite the absence of their lead vocalist who was ill, The Dolly Rockers took to the stage followed by headline band the Noisettes.

YouTube: Ryan Martin's video of the event.

The Noisettes opened their show with the band's highest charting single to date, Don't Upset the Rhythm.

Barnstaple town centre manager Craig Bulley said: "It is always difficult to estimate the number of people who turn up to celebrate but in the scheme of things numbers are not the most important aspect of any event.

"It is about ensuring that everyone who comes along on the day has a great day out and, judging from the positive feedback we have received from shoppers, retailers and entertainers, we achieved what we set out to do."

The police were pleased with the event

PC Tim Quick said: "This has been a real family event and it is fantastic to see so many local people having fun in Barnstaple."

The North Devon Gang Show at the Spirit of Christmas event.

The first of the late night shopping evenings begins on Thursday.

For more in formation about forthcoming Winter Festival events see this week's North Devon Journal.

Watch Ryan Martin's YouTube video of the Barnstaple Christmas Lights switch on.

Watch the North Devon Gang Show team who started off the event at 1pm