THE Christmas spirit is beginning to spread in Monmouthshire with Chepstow and Caldicot both turning on the Christmas lights in their town during the weekend.

Caldicot provided a festive start to the weekend holding its celebrations on Friday night. The event started at 2pm and the crowd was entertained into the evening with a wide variety of live music, school music, choirs and fun fair rides.

At 5.30pm the lights were switched on by Caldicot Mayor, MP Jessica Morden and AM John Griffiths.

The following night Chepstow switched its lights on with the High Street closed off for a day of activity.

The regular Saturday market which started at 9am flowed into festivities held in Beaufort Square.

School choirs, local bands and groups entertained the crowd until 6pm when the lights were switched on. Terry Wood, secretary of Bulwark Community Centre, was given the honours for his longstanding work with the community. The evening was finished by a visit from Santa.