Canterbury's Christmas
lights switch-on was a low-key affair

by Kim Sanders

The recession has made this
year’s Christmas light switch-on one of the best yet, according to
city co-ordinator Philippe Esclasse.

Budgets have been squeezed and when
TV star Ade Edmondson flicked the switch, the ceremony was one of
the quietest the city has hosted.

Simple carols and jazz music were
all that marked the lighting of the city’s seasonal display.

Video: Canterbury
Christmas lights switch-on 2009

However, Mr Esclasse said the
response has been overwhelmingly good:

"It was a stylish, more low-key
affair.

"In the past we have had pop music
and we’ve aimed the event at a much younger audience and it was
very in your face but this year it was a bit more traditional and I
think that’s what people really want.

"The response has been
brilliant."