Crowds support Hednesford’s Christmas lights switch on

Hednesford’s annual Christmas lights switch-on has been hailed a great success after crowds flocked to enjoy the festive event.

Many shops stayed open and entered into a Christmassy window dressing spirit as Councillor Alan Pearson launched the lights display funded by the town council.

The winner of the annual Christmas best dressed window competition was Sparkling Designs in Market Street, which specialises in gymnasts’ and dancers’ costumes who impressed with their snowy scene complete with Santa down the chimney in designer heels.

Head judge  Councillor Sheila Cartwright said: “Many traders in the town took part in the competition – this window stood out as it was particularly humorous with Christian Louboutin  style red heeled stilettos emerging from a chimney and a very festive feel.”

Second prize went to the Katherine House Hospice Charity Shop which features a Christmas truce football match scene from  World War One and Glamour Hairdressers scooped third prize.

Councillor Pearson also presented a prize to Holly Pearce from West Hill School for winning the council’s Christmas poster competition.

There was also a funfair, a commercial market and dozens of stalls raising funds for local charities.

Cllr Pearson said: “A great range of entertainment was provided with many local school children taking part. We are proud to make sure we have a Christmas lights display and make our town the place to be in the run-up to Christmas. Our range of wonderful independent shops is hard to beat.”