HUNDREDS of people packed Wimborne town centre as it was illuminated by Christmas lights last night. 

A Christmas tree standing proudly in the Square along with rows of decorations hanging above the streets lit up at 4.30pm to mark the start of the festive season.

The mayor, Cllr Shane Bartlett, was joined by mayoress Tracey Bartlett, chairman of the town’s chamber of commerce Sandra Bond and Ian Faulkner, chairman of the Wimborne Business Improvement District, to do the honours.

They were accompanied on stage by the winners of the council’s ‘design a Christmas card’ competition for first school children.

The Wimborne Militia then fired their muskets from the grounds of the Minster in a nod to the ancient tradition of warding off evil spirits.

The day’s entertainment started at 10.30am with the Wimborne Ukulele Band taking to the stage.

They were followed by bands, choirs and dancers, with musicians from Ferndown Brass Band and the Minster Choir leading the carols around the Christmas tree.

A collection was taken in aid of the mayor’s charities - Wimborne in Bloom, the Royal British Legion, Vision Wimborne, Dreamboats, Going for Bust and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Christmas lights were funded equally this year by Wimborne Minster Town Council and Wimborne BID.