After the Winter Festival clashed with the Livestock Market’s Christmas offering, Welshpool Town Council has written to the market asking it to be “a bit more community minded”.

Anne Wilson, the interim town clerk, said that she had already written to the Livestock Market to let them know the date of their event next year; she told councillors at the full meeting on Wednesday, December 18.

The Winter Festival, organised by Welshpool Town Council, took place on Saturday, December 7; as did the Christmas Cracker Market at the Livestock Market.

“The two were on the same day,” said Ms Wilson.

As well as telling the market about the date set for next year’s event, so they don’t clash, she said she asked the Livestock Market to “be a bit more community minded and work with us.”

However, the councillors were full of praise for the Christmas Lights Switch on event, which took place the day before the Winter Festival, on Friday, December 6.

“The Christmas lights came on, that’s a good thing – and on cue!” said Kimberley Davies, who works for the town council and organised the event.

One councillor said that she knew the girl, Willow Sadler, who won the fancy-dress competition and was invited to ride in Santa’s sleigh and switch on the Christmas lights with the mayor, Steve Kaye.

“Willow’s face... she was so excited.

“It will stay with her,” said Councillor Alison Davies.

Ms Wilson praised Ms Davies for her work with the event, especially considering that “promises had been made that we couldn’t deliver.”

Father Christmas was also praised by many councillors present at the meeting.

He made the journey all the way from Lapland to Welshpool.

“To try and please all of those children, I think he did an excellent job,” said Councillor Phil Pritchard.

It was said at the meeting that next year the plan is for the town council’s Christmas events to all take place across one day, instead of two.