STONEHOUSE got into the Christmas spirit a little earlier than usual this year with the traditional Goodwill celebration taking place around the town on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, November 18, Father Christmas was driven in style up the High Street to the town green where he officially switched on the Christmas lights for 2023.

As wells as stalls selling gifts and food of all kinds, there was lots of free fun and games for all the family including a mini farm, circus skills, face painting, balloon modelling, fire walking, and a Punch and Judy show.

The activities were spread out around the town with Morris dancing, and performances from the Wonderland Stage School, Rock Choir and Avening Silver Band in the Woolpack car park as well as stories in the library.

There was also a programme of musical entertainment taking place on a purpose-built stage in front of the High Street Medical Centre where Park School Choir, Klarinets, Stonehouse Community Choir, Dave Wakefield and friend, Luke Philbrick Skiffle band and Dursley Steel Band will be performing.

All pictures taken by photographer Simon Pizzey.