MONTHS of hard work and fundraising by Tenbury Chamber of Trade came to fruition with the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights.

More than £2,000 has been spent on improving the lights in the town ready for the switch-on that was led by members of the cast of Aladdin, the pantomime that will be staged at The Regal.

Many of the Christmas lights have been replaced and additional ones put up in Cross Street. Further lights will also be added before Christmas.

“Christmas lights are expensive to replace and maintain but they really do make a difference to the town and give it a lovely atmosphere,” said Sarah Thompson, chairman of the Tenbury Chamber of Trade.

“There is a cost in putting up and taking down the lights and we have to keep continually fundraising throughout the year.

“We always try to add something extra every year.”

A ‘horse racing’ night at the Upper Sapey Golf Club in October made a big contribution to the improvements raising £1,800.

Similar events have been staged throughout the year.

The illumination of the Christmas lights starts five weeks of events in the town in the run-up to Christmas.

Buyers from all over the country will converge upon Burford House Gardens tomorrow for the start of the three annual Mistletoe sales.

Tenbury will also have its most ambitious Mistletoe Festival ever that will reach a climax on Saturday December 6 with the crowning of the Mistletoe Queen, a re-enactment of the First World War Christmas truce football match, and the colourful Santa Parade.

The Regal will also stage its most ambitious pantomime ever this year with a pro-am production of Aladdin.

For many traders the four week run-up to Christmas is the most important part of the year.