Newbury Christmas Lights Switch-on organiser, the Newbury BID, apologises for sound mishaps at the end of 'most successful festival'

It was the climax to a day of free fun which brought tens of thousands of people to Newbury town centre.

But organisers were gutted that technical hitches took the shine off for some at Saturday's Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.

Many businesses benefited from the huge footfall boost and families enjoyed a day of free entertainment and fun.

But some event visitors were disappointed this year’s switch-on boasted a much smaller stage in Market Place than last year’s event.

Others were disappointed they were unable to hear the singing and countdown at the penultimate moment.

Newbury BID, the not-for-profit outfit which organised the event, has acknowledged the consequent online criticism.

Newbury BID chairman Warwick Heskins, owner of The Catherine Wheel pub in Cheap Street, said: “We’re extremely saddened by what appeared to be our most successful Lights Switch-on Festival to date ending on somewhat of a low due to the technical issues we experienced in the final hour of the day-long event.

“It’s disappointing that performances from two wonderful local choirs, Soul Reason and Falkland Primary School, which took place in front of the stage between 5pm and 6pm, were not heard loud and clear by all attending the event in the Market Place.

“We would like to apologise to the public and our acts.”

He added: “It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t control the sound and had relied on our supplier to deliver the sound and stage on the terms outlined in the sponsorship agreement.”

For a list of all events taking place in Newbury town centre and beyond this Christmas, visit https://visitnewbury.org.uk/christmas

Mr Heskins pointed out that the stage was provided on a purely sponsorship basis and any cash saved was ploughed into the free entertainment enjoyed by the record number of visitors throughout the day.