People from around Spondon gathered in the village centre to watch this year's switching on of Spondon's Christmas lights. Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the video.
Sitwell Street was brought to a halt as hundreds of people filled the pavements to watch the Mayor of Derby, Amar Nath, signal the start of the switch-on, which was accompanied by fireworks and cheers from the crowd.
The evening also featured various stalls and activities in the Village Hall, including a hugely popular Santa's Grotto. Elsewhere around the village, bell ringers and Bollywood dancers entertained the crowds while Spondon's community choir, Mixed Blessings, added to the festive feel with renditions of favourite Christmas carols. Parrot Aid and JTF Falconry were also on hand to bring entertainment of the feathered variety to the proceedings.
Shops on Sitwell Street and Chapel Street stayed open until late, offering special discounts and free mince pies, wine and other refreshments to customers, with many traders reporting a very busy night's trade. The star of the night though was undoubtedly Spondon's fantastic Christmas lights.
Organised by the Spondon Traders Association, businesses have come together to put on a fantastic festive display throughout the village centre. Mark Davis, of Spondon Traders Association, said: "The sheer number of people that turned out on that foggy Friday evening was beyond belief, and made it such a pleasurable event.
"Our thanks must go to the Mayor of Derby for honouring us by switching on the lights, the Spondon Neighbourhood Board and Grassroots Grants for their support, but mostly we must thank YOU, for buying raffle tickets, putting the change in the tins and making a wonderful atmosphere on the night. We can’t wait until next year now!"
Congratulations and big thanks go to all those involved in organising such as fantastic, festive and well-attended community event.
Congratulations also go to Lindsey Vickers who was the winner of the Spondon Alights LCD TV raffle.
