HUNDREDS of people braved the poor weather to kick-start the festive season.

Families turned up to enjoy the Christmas lights switch on event in Queen’s Square, Wrexham town centre, which saw a special appearance from Love Island star Niall Aslam, who is performing in pantomime at the Stiwt Theatre.

The free event, courtesy of Wrexham Rotary Club, started at 4pm – with the official switch on at 7.30pm.

It was hosted by Heart FM drive time presenters Megan Lyn and Oli Kemp and included performances from local bands and singers, Coleg Cambria dance group, as well as stalls and fairground rides - with the event finishing with a bang with a huge firework finale.

Past chairman Fiona Bassett told the Leader: “The rain was coming down, but I still had hundreds of people around asking what time it starts.

“I think we have a lot more people getting involved this year, not just the Rotary Club but a lot more volunteers and sponsors.

“Loads of people just want to be involved and they are all giving up their time and donating things.”

This year, the group’s chosen charity was the Chirk Dementia Group, which supports the ‘most vulnerable in the community’.

Fiona added: “It is a charity quite close to our hearts and a charity quite close to our president’s heart.

“The Chirk Dementia Group is a small group and they rely on fundraising and it’s just such a worthy cause.

“I personally love this event because you see the community coming together.

“It’s the one day of the year where the whole of Wrexham comes to show their support and there’s always never any trouble. It’s the start of Christmas for me.

“Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and all of our sponsors who have come together to make it happen.”

n Christmas lights switch on events across the region - see page 6.