Christmas 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 brought what seemed to be the biggest attendance ever to Marlborough's festive market and switch-on event.
For the first time the market stretched the entire length of the High Street, from the Town Hall with the steps transformed into a stage for performances to St Peter's where Santa was in his grotto and where there was face painting at the Cardinal Cafe. A few lucky people got to watch the switch-on with a reindeer eyed view from the top of the tower.
There were performances from Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama, Rock Choir in North Wiltshire, The Bluebelles, St John's students Sammy Till-Vattier, Renee, Matilda, Rosie, Beth and Sophie and Marlborough Musical Theatre Choir.
There were towering elves and angels roaming the streets - and even medieval English bagpipes thanks to heritage expert Peter Turvey (we hope your fingers finally warmed up, Peter!).
None of this would have been possible without a LOT of help. Thanks go to:
The Rotary Club for all their work in the lead up to the event and for organising and personing the road closures along with volunteer marshals including Councillors Ross, Shantry and Trow
The Lions Club for bringing Father Christmas to the children of Marlborough and to St Peter's for hosting the grotto
Wheelers Electrical Contractors who take care of our lights and make sure everything happens as it should when the Mayor presses the plunger
T H White for their help with the lights and Christmas trees
Chris Wheeler Construction for last minute help with traffic cones
Carol from Pewsey Carnival Committee for loaning us equipment
The fabulous market traders who stood in the cold all day and the Showmen's Guild for providing children's rides.
Last but not least, thank you to the team here at Marlborough Town Council for months of planning and a lot of hard work on the day, led by Deputy Town Clerk Clare Harris who definitely earned a few days off the following week to recover.
All images are low resolution. If you'd like copies, please contact us.
Please ask us before you use any of our images. Copyright rules apply to digital images on the internet. Read more here