Christmas arrived in in Chilton on Friday 29th November. A lantern parade organised by Chilton Academy led by the Mayor and stilt walkers arrived at the Town Square at 6.30pm where a large crowd gathered eagerly waiting for the switch on. During the event there were performances from both Ferryhill Town Band and Chilton Academy Choir. As the crowd sang volunteers circulated with sweet mince pies and ginger wine. Santa was kept very busy as he gave out sweets to the children and even visited the residents in Chilton Care Home.
At 7pm the Gala Princess accompanied by the Mayor officially switched on the tree and lights on the Council offices.
The Mayor “Its nights like tonight when you realise what a lovely community Chilton is, everyone always turns out for special events. On behalf of the Council would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Christmas lights and also to everyone who completed the consultation on the new motifs. The Council have received lots of positive feedback about these. I would like to remind readers that the Civic Carol Service is on Thursday 12th December at St Aidans Church commencing at 7pm, everyone is welcome. Finally there is a Memory Christmas tree in the Council offices. Anyone who wishes to hang a message on the tree for a loved one can purchase a tag from the Council offices (Monday to Friday between 9am – 3pm). Memory tags are £1 available from the Council offices. All monies raised is in aid of defibrillators which the Council have decided would be beneficial to have a number sited around the Town”