Thousands turn out to watch Imogen turn on Christmas lights

CROWDS of thousands braved freezing temperatures to watch gold medallist Imogen Cairns switch on Portishead’s Christmas lights.

Gymnast Imogen, 21, who won two gold medals in the 2010 Commonweatlh Games, flicked the switch helped by Father Christmas, Portishead Town Council chairman, Councillor Reyna Knight and carnival queen Molly Hatfield, 19, princess Gabriella Lockwood-Davies, 11 and flower princess, Jasmine Haskins, eight.

This year’s illuminations cost £15,000 and stretch from South Avenue to St Peter’s Road.

It took a team of 90 volunteers eight hours on Sunday to string up the display which features 5000 bulbs and 100 Christmas trees.

It was the first time Imogen has been to the switch on, which is held in the precinct each November.

Imogen, of Portishead, said: "The lights are amazing and a huge amount of credit should go to the volunteers who work so hard to raise the money for them and put them up.

"I first heard I was going to be asked to switch on the lights when I was competing in Delhi.

"It’s a real honour to be asked and I had a lot to live up to as Nigel from Homebase did such a good job last year."

Around 3,000 people gathered in the High Street for the countdown.

And as the High Street lit up, fireworks were set off from the roof of the Somerset Hall.

Excited children made a beeline for Santa, handing him sackfuls of present requests.

The cost of the lights has been jointly funded by Portishead Town Council and Crest Nicholson plus donations from Portishead Raft Race committee and organisers of the town’s summer carnival.

This year has seen the spire at St Peter’s Church lit for the first time in white LED lights.

Town council chairman, Mrs Knight, said: "Each year the lights committee excel themselves and put on what is without doubt the best festive illuminations in North Somerset."

* What does everyone think of this year's display?