The festive season in Warminster got off to a great start with the Warminster
Christmas Market and Christmas Lights Switch-On which took place on Saturday 26th
November
The market started with the first appearance of Warminster’s new Town Crier, Rick
Johnstone, who had written a special cry just for the occasion. The Mayor of Warminster,
Councillor Chris Robbins then cut the ribbon to let in the eager shoppers.
Business was brisk with stall holders reporting one of their best years ever. People had come
from all over, including Salisbury, Blandford, Trowbridge, Frome, Westbury, Tidworth,
Tilshead and beyond.
The Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Chris Robbins was delighted with the support for the
mayors charity raffle which raised over £1,100. The money will be split between the mayors’
charities, Wessex MS Therapy Centre, and Alzheimer’s Support. Cllr Robbins said, “A big
thank you to all the local businesses and town councillors who donated prizes for the raffle.”
Father Christmas was visited by over 120 children in his grotto, twice as many as last year.
Outside the Civic Centre, musical entertainment was provided by the Rock Choir, followed by
the immensely cute and talented Sambourne Primary School choir. In the afternoon, there
were sets from Sloejam, Warminster Community Choir and the Rockport Blues.
The mobile catering firm Posh Crepes served a wide choice of pancakes to feed the hungry.
As the market closed, the fun started in Three Horseshoes Walk where the Bournemouth
Carnival Band, resplendent in their Spiderman Costumes mixed fun and music to entertain
the crowds. The Giant Spaceman moved up and down the town centre enchanting children
and posing for photos. Several of the shops stayed open late and Val’s burger van kept the
cold at bay with hot food.
In front of St Lawrence Chapel, the Warminster Brass Band played a selection of carols. This
was followed by a Christmas choir singing festive songs.
The Lantern Parade left Three Horseshoes Walk at 6.15pm and moved through the town
centre to St Lawrence Chapel. Led by the Spiderman Band and the spectacular giant
spaceman and accompanied by children with their own lanterns and/or UV face paints.
Father Christmas interviewed the Town Crier and the mayor before the big count down to the
switch on. It is reported that the 10,9, 8,7, etc could be heard for miles! The lights were
switched on jointly by Penelope Robbins-Murphy, the Town Crier (Rick Johnstone) and the
Mayor of Warminster, Councillor Chris Robbins.
Attention now switches to the Spot the Santa Trail. There are 20 Santa’s hidden in shop
windows in Warminster. Find them all and you could win a £50 voucher for The Works!
Download an entry form from www.warminster-tc.gov.uk or pop into the Civic Centre to pick
one up and fill in the Santa’s locations. Then return the form to the Civic Centre letterbox by
the 11th of December to be in with a chance of winning. The winner will be chosen at random
by the mayor and announced on the 13th of December on social media.
While you are out and about Santa spotting, enjoy the fantastic display of festive windows
and cast your vote for your favourite one. You can vote on the town council Facebook page
or by popping into the Civic Centre and placing your vote in the box.
Last modified: 28 November 2022
