Meeting Flint's Santa for the first time was three-year-old Austin Cowell of Shotton
Golden girl Jade Jones switches on Flint's Christmas lights beside Mayor of Flint, Vicky Perfect
Jeanne Hutchinson and her consort Dennis Hutchinson arrived by chopper trike in Buckley
Donkeys took the part of reindeers in the Buckley parade
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OLYMPIC champion Jade Jones switched on the Christmas lights in Flint.
The Taekwondo star helped bring a touch of Christmas magic to the town from the balcony of the Town Hall last night.
The Mayor of Flint, Vicky Perfect, estimated there were about 2,000 revellers who braved the cold to enjoy all the fun.
They gathered in Market Square and Church Street for the festive activities which included stalls, a fun fair and fireworks.
And children also had the chance to meet Father Christmas, as Flint and Holywell Rotary Club’s Christmas float tour began in the town.
Cllr Perfect said: “It was packed. We had a countdown from 10 to one and then Jade switched on the lights. There was a massive cheer. There was wonderful singing from Flint Male Voice Choir.
“Jade was so lovely. She was signing autographs and people enjoyed meeting her, a really obliging young lady.
“It was a wonderful way to start off Christmas celebrations. Flint has definitely reached Olympic standards.”
And in Buckley, Santa came to town in a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.
Hundreds of people joined in the festive fun in High Street last night, with Santa just around the corner in his grotto in the shopping precinct.
Buckley town councillors had promised lots of surprises for the event.
Crowds enjoyed music from the Royal Buckley Town Band and Cambrian Drumming Band. The groups entertained with their own special brand of booming beats.
An open top bus and festive floats carrying Father Christmas and his helpers also took part in the parade, which saw Buckley Mayor Jeanne Hutchinson, who switched on the lights, arrive in style on a chopper trike.
Buckley Town Centre manager Andy White said:”The feeback all day has been fantastic.
“I can’t believe the size of the crowd, which is bigger than ever and there’s a real buzz about the town. It’s a credit to the team and we couldn't have asked for more.”
Flintshire Council street lighting technician Kyle Ellis said it was the biggest Christmas tree Buckley had ever had.
“We’ve all been working extra hard for the last few weeks to make sure everything was right,” he said.
“We’re all thrilled with the amount of crowd support and it was alright on the night.”