HARRY the Vole celebrated his first birthday in style thanks to Monmouth Town Council's invitation to him to help the Mayor, Cllr Richard Bond, switch on the town's beautiful new lights.
The new lights became possible through money from the Three Towns' Initiative and the hard work, dedication and determination of Cllr Caroline Pearce and the Street Decorations Committee in organising the new lights and overseeing their installation.
Nearly 1,000 people gathered together for a candlelit procession starting from the Cattle Market up the main street to the Shire Hall where more people were waiting.
Mr David Evans introduced Canon James Coutts who gave a rousing Christmas sermon.
Before the Mayor and Harry pressed the switch which illuminated the town, Monmouth Band played carols and were joined in song by members of the Town Council dressed in Victorian costume and some of the crowd.
There was a children's fancy dress competition which was judged by the Mayor, Cllr Pearce and Harry the Vole. The contestants were paraded on the stage before receiving their prizes.
Following the Town Band's concert Harry and a great number of children played party games to the music of Rig-a-Jig. Prizes were won for pass the parcel and musical statues and a great deal of fun was had by those who stayed.
Thanks must go to Monmouth Town Council for supplying the candles and holders which illuminated the procession beautifully, the Three Towns Initiative and Monmouth Town Council for the display of lights, Monmouth Band, Rev James Coutts, Rev Brian Phillips, David Evans, The Mayor and Mayoress and Cllr Caroline Pearce, Richard Craig and the electrical team, Vicky Powell, Woolworths, Waitrose, Monmouth Marketing, Mark Finlayson, Terence Skeffington, Monmouth Constabulary and Rig-a-Jig as well as Cllr Tim Buckland who supplied the Christmas tree, David Simmonds and Robert Price for their help in the terrible weather putting up the tree and Nick Frost who helped Cllr Pearce decorate it in the pouring rain.