"Shops stayed open late with many serving their customers with food and drink. Clare Thomas, Chair of Cymdeithas Aberaeron Society opened proceedings thanking all the sponsors who had been so generous. Over 60 traders, organisations and clubs had contributed in some way.

Clare also thanked the community for their help and support which had been overwhelming . Introducing the Mayor, Neris Lloyd, Clare thanked her and the Town Council for joining with Cymdeithas to organise the evening and for their continued sponsorship of the Christmas lights. The Mayor endorsed Clare's comments and said she was grateful to the whole community and encouraged them to support the local traders and organisations who had been so supportive of the event.

She then switched on the Christmas lights after which Father Christmas, who had arrived on Aberaeron's fire engine, led the public down Market Street to Pwll Cam where he was visited in his grotto by the children of the area.

Free mulled wine and cawl was served, the wine was all donated by the town's traders, businesses and clubs and the very tasty cawl was made by Heather and Will Thomas of the New Celtic Restaurant. Roasted chestnuts were prepared and given by Sarah Holgate and Peter Bottoms of Hive on the Quay.

Face painting, street entertainers, a coconut shy all helped entertain, while the children of Aberaeron Primary School performed outstandingly a selection of Christmas carols which were followed by community carols.

The window spotting competition generated huge interest with 43 traders taking part, and who donated the prizes, contributing to two amazing hampers and a voucher from Owain the Butcher.

The organisers of the event were joined by the two other main sponsors to make the draw; Peter Lloyd, Chair of the Town Improvements Committee and Anthony Hartwell-Jones representing Aeron Masonic Lodge.

Hamper winners were Kieran Larkin of Llwyncelyn and Dawn Richards of Aberaeron while Caryl Price of Ffos-y-Ffin won the voucher.

The raffle raised £1,502 for Aberaeron swimming pool, the first prize of £100.00 being won by Jenny Davies of New Quay, the second prize of £20.00 by Sioned Edwards of Tregaron and 3rd of £10.00 by Catrin Cond of Aberaeron."

Article written by Mair Harrison