Last year, on Friday 4th December, around 200 members of the community gathered in St Nicholas Church to listen to carol singing from the children of Surestart - Where Kids Come First (and signing) and Benyon Primary School.  Following a few communal songs, the group then braved the elements and ventured out on to The Village Green with thier glow stick to watch the lighting-up of the Christmas tree and lights along South Road and Caterbury Parade.   Everyone was treated to hot chocolate and mince pies, courtesy of the Royal Oak Pub, and the evening was then rounded off by a visit from Father Christmas.

Although a very wet and windy evening, Monday 7th December saw the community come together again to watch the lighting-up of the lights down Derwent Parade and along the front of the shops on Daiglen Drive.  There was carol singing inside The Forum because of the weather by the children of Surestart nursery and Shaw Primary.  The children were kept entertained by 'Bob the Builder' and 'Spongebob Squarepants' who delighted them with balloon modelling and they also enjoyed another visit by busy Father Christmas.  Staff and volunteers at The Forum worked frantically to ensure everyone got hot chocolate, mince pies and biscuits.