Explorer and author Ben Fogle wowed crowds in Hay on Wye when he turned on the Christmas lights this Friday (November 25). The TV star was greeted to a rapturous reception from the hundreds of people who had gathered for the annual ceremony. The “switching on” marked the start of a great weekend of events in the town, including the Food Festival, Hay Does Vintage and the Hay Festival Winter Weekend.
Hay Chamber of Commerce raised over £6000 towards the Christmas lights appeal, including large donations from the Celebrate Wales Big Lottery Fund and Hay Town Council. This year the lights have been extended along Broad Street and Brook Street, and the Chamber hopes to continue this work in the years ahead.
Andrew Williams, chair of Hay Chamber of Commerce, commented:
“We are so grateful to all of the businesses in Hay who gave generously to help light up the town at Christmas. We are delighted to have the support of the Town Council who assist us with a grant, but the majority of the cash has come from individual donations. We hope the lights help to make Hay a great place to visit at Christmas, and encourage visitors from the surrounding areas to do a bit of Christmas shopping here.
This year we were particularly pleased to be able to team up with Hay Festival, who graciously “loaned” us Ben Fogle to turn on the lights. It’s not just about big names though – the Community Choir and School Choir were in fine voice, and our local Co-operative Food also pitched in with mince pies and mulled wine.”