A SINGING reindeer, a Snow Queen and Santa himself brought festive cheer to Abergavenny to announce the start of the Christmas season.

Before the town's light were switch on the Christmas parade filed through the main streets thanks to The Chamber of Trade, who sponsored Sunshine Radio to be there; Abergavenny Town Council, Cibi Walk Shopping Precinct and The Miserable Cow Coffee Bar Cibi Walk.

The rain stopped long enough for Father and Mother Christmas to arrive, complete with Robbie the Singing Reindeer and his team of reindeer, (eight children from Llanfoist Primary School) and a Snow Queen - Jean Lindley - and her Ice Maidens - Fiona Beavan and Councillor Sam Dodd (pictured).

Children also helped pull the local  Young Fire Fighters Fire Engine along the High Street with Santa inside.

Fiona Beavan of The Miserable Cow Coffee Bar said, "What amazed me this year was the hoards of people that joined us in our torch light parade back to Cibi Walk where we sang carols with the Salvation Army and for the second switch on of the timeless Christmas lights and tree within the shopping precinct."

A competition of the best dressed Christmas outfit was won by a little boy dressed as one of the Three Kings and a baby in an all in one polar bear jump suit.

Children clambered to speak to santa live on the radio to ask for their Christmas wish and answer Christmas questions to win prizes.

Fiona added, "Each year I often think I won't do this again, but when you get all the children coming up to you asking for a hug and even big kids (adults) smiling and laughing, I just know it is worth all the organising that our little team put into this once a year Christmas event.  I now feel I am really in a Christmas mood. 

"Watch out next year!"

The grand switching on was also praised by Abergavenny mayor, Councillor Norma Watkins, who was at the town hall to pull the switch which officially lit up Abergavenny for Christmas.

Councillor Norma Watkins said, "It would appear that everyone in the town is extremely pleased with the Christmas lights this year.

"People have been stopping me in the street to say how wonderful they are.

"Thanks must go to Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, the town clerk and everyone in Cibi Walk for all their help," said Councillor Watkins.