Singing the praises of Keynsham choirboy

FOR nearly two decades, one familiar figure has shone out from the Christmas lights along Keynsham High Street – a choirboy who has become part of the town’s festive identity.

Originally installed as the winning entry in Keynsham Town Council’s Design a Christmas Light competition, the choirboy was only expected to remain in place for ten years.

Now, almost 17 years later, it still returns to the same spot each Christmas, much to the delight of residents. Among his fans is Julia Chandler, who contacted the Voice to express her admiration.

She said: “It is delightful that someone still takes the trouble to keep him, put him on the lamp post and then light him. Thank you so much for keeping up this long-held tradition.”

The winner of the design competition all those years ago, Isabelle Goddard, said: “All the other lights on Keynsham High Street are the same apart from him, which I think makes people wonder what the story behind it is. It’s lovely that it’s a part of my childhood which I still get to see every Christmas.”

This year, the council has had the choirboy professionally refurbished, ensuring he will continue to illuminate the High Street – and Christmas memories – for years to come.