The mayor and mayoress of Aberaeron braved the high winds of Storm Arwen on Friday to turn on the town’s Christmas lights ready for the festive season.

Cllr Rhodri Jones and his wife Ffion wrapped up warm against the storm to flick the switch on the illuminations in a low-key ceremony.

The traditional celebrations of switch-on day were muted due to the ongoing pandemic.

In a short speech, Cllr Jones “wished a joyful Christmas to all.”

Towns and villages across Ceredigion are beginning to switch their festive lights on, with traders and businesses hoping for a bumper Christmas period after a difficult 18 months.

In Aberystwyth, the town’s annual lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on will go-ahead on Saturday after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

The lantern parade will go from St Michael’s Church to Sgwar Owain Glyndwr from 5pm.

The Christmas lights are expected to be turned on at around 5.30pm, with the traditional Christmas Market also making its return this year.

Llandysul’s newly-installed Christmas lights will be also switched on at the Christmas Celebration on Saturday, 4 December 4 from 2pm to 6pm.

The town’s community has been praised for the fundraising efforts to make the new lights a reality.

Tregaron’s Christmas Fair and lights switch-on will be held on Friday between 6pm and 8pm, with Tregaron Square closed for the weekend.