Stonehouse celebrates Goodwill Festival and Christmas lights switch on

STONEHOUSE celebrated Christmas in style by helping charities during their Christmas lights switch-on event.
Stalls from various charities, such as Sue Ryder and Cats Protection were set up at the annual Stonehouse Goodwill Festival last night, selling food and gifts.
The event, which started at 2pm, was held with a pantomine theme, and children got to meet Father Christmas at a Santa grotto set up just for the evening.
Magicians, balloon benders and even a fire engine lined the High Street as fake snow created a festive atmosphere on a clear night.
Father Christmas switched on the town's Christmas lights together with the mayor of Stonehouse, Chris Brine, around 5.15pm to loud cheers.
Councillor Brine said: "It was a great day. All the stall holders did really well on the night.
"A lot of them were selling their products to raise money for their charity, which was really good.
"The day was also about the traders thanking their customers, and it was a really enjoyable night. It is one of Stonehouse's biggest events."

For more, get the Citizen on Monday and Stroud Life on Wednesday.