Hundreds watch SAFC legend Kevin Ball switch on Pallion Christmas lights

St Luke’s Terrace was set twinkling by the former Black Cat player who flicked the switch with fellow guests of honour Archie Holder-McNish, five, from Hylton Lane Estate and his big sister, Lily.

Earlier in the night, Archie, who has won bravery awards for his battle with leukaemia, led a lantern parade from Parker Memorial Home (Parker Trust) in Kayll Road to the shopping parade.

Kevin said the Christmas lights, which are organised by Pallion Traders, Pallion Action Group and Parker Trust charity, were a great way to keep community spirit alive.

“When I got the letter asking me to do this I was absolutely delighted,” he said. “The effort that has gone into this is fantastic. The turn out has been great and it’s important for communities to come together like this and look after each other.

“My home town always did a carnival when I was growing up and I have so many memories of that. I hope that events like this will create memories for the children here.”

Highlights of the switch on, funded by members of the West Area Committee, also included performances from city teenagers Missy Redman from St Anthony’s School and 17-year-old Owen Seafield, who sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, while a live nativity with real animals from Stef’s Farm in Pennywell was held at Pallion Action Group (PAG).

Doreen Buckingham, centre manager at PAG, said: “It started as a way of taking pride in the area and it’s really grown from there. It’s a great way for people to come together.”

Each of the traders along the shopping street have dressed their windows for Christmas to encourage footfall.