Actor helps spread a little Christmas magic in Cotswolds
By Andrew Merrell | 10th December 2018
Retailers and organisers of a Cotswold town's Christmas lights switch on got the added boost to draw the crowds - thanks to a well-known actor lending a hand.
Star of television shows including Coronation Street and Casualty, Tristan Gemmill, was in town to lend a helping hand.
Mr Gemmill and his family performed the honours of turning on the town's lights, there was a parade featuring Father Christmas, children from the Tetbury, a special fire brigade float, its town crier Tony Evans, elves and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Kevin Painter.
All of which was greeted by Caroline Lowsley-Williams when it arrived in the town's historic Market House, which dates back to 1655.
Mrs Lowsley-Williams' family donates the Christmas trees that have become an integral part of the market house Christmas decorations.
The light switch on was followed by carols sung by St Mary's Primary School children before those gathered turned their attentions to enjoying the late-night shopping and festivities.
There were free cocktails, free glitter face painting, mull wine, gin tasting and for those with the stamina the evening was rounded off with live music at The Royal Oak public house.
"I would like to again like to take the opportunity to thank Tristan and his family, The Feoffees, Lowsley-Williams family, Artique and Sue Hirst for Santa's grotto, Reverend Poppy Hughes, the Army cadets and the volunteers, Tara and Georgina who organised the evening, Sally and the shops for providing such an enjoyable evening after the switch on," said Cllr Painter, deputy Mayor of Tetbury, who also described Mr Gemmill and his family as "absolutely charming, nothing was too much bother for them."
"But most importantly thank you for the many, many people who came out and shared in this Christmas extravaganza that showed the true meaning of the Christmas spirit."
Businesses which entered into the spirit and made the night one to remember included Quetty Bang Bang, The Mayfair & Grace, which provided a pianist, prosecco and free skin screening, Domestic Science (mince pies and 10 per cent discount on the night), Cherry Tree (cherry tree cocktails), Highgrove (alcohol and fudge samples mince pies), Hobbs House (Christmas treats, samples), Bay Gallery (drinks and nibbles), Treacle George (drinks), Vinotopia (gin tasting in the shop) and The Royal Oak also played host from 7.30pm to a Christmas pianist and singer.
There was also an interactive circus workshop and Santa's grotto. Henrietta's House had already donated many fantastic toys before the evening.
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