A NEW partnership has seen the light after switching on its festive display on Friday, November 29.
Shops, local businesses and community groups came together in Lower Earley for the first ever Christmas light switch-on ceremony.
Led by members of the local Baptist Church, carols were sung ahead of Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Melanie De Jong pushing the button to switch on the lights on a large Christmas tree erected in the shopping precinct.
A large crowd of people braved the rain to take part in the event, which was judged a hit by organisers.
The Revd Keith Wilson, minister of Lower Earley Baptist Church, said: “This is the first time this has been done by businesses and the church. We’re working together to support the community.
“There’s been a really good atmosphere and a terrific turnout today – I enjoyed leading the carol singing, everyone was very up for it this evening.”
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Janet Whiting, who runs Pet Fayre and the Post Office in the precinct, said: “We need to get the word out there about this centre, we’re a bit tucked away.”
Will Goddard, a chiropractor who has a studio in the Maiden Place development, is another of the organisers. He said: “We will do something for the Queen’s 90th birthday next year.”
