THE high winds and wet weather were no match for the festive spirit Blaenavon Christmas lights switch on.

Parts of the festivities in Blaenavon were cancelled due to the inclement weather of Storm Clodagh on Monday night.

But the pews of Bethlehem Chapel were filled to capacity to watch the annual Blessing of the Crib ceremony.

The ceremony was organised by the town council and Blaenavon Churches Working Together with each of the churches in the town included in the service.

With the original plans for the outdoor event curtailed, the traditional service of the hymns, carols and a living nativity scene, including two donkeys, came in from the cold November night.

After the readings and prayers on the subject of Christmas, the attendees were invited to the school room of the chapel for a free mince pie and hot chocolate.

The Mayor of Torfaen, Giles Davies, and the Mayor of Blaenavon, Gareth Davies, thanked the crowd for braving the elements to attend the blessing ceremony.

“The Blaenavon community wouldn't let a small issue like a weather warning get in their way and the chapel was full to capacity,” said Mr Giles Davies.

He added that such events filled him with a sense of pride to be the mayor of the borough, in light of the last-minute alterations.

“It is always a pleasure to see so many people supporting town events and particularly so this year with the event being moved indoors,” added the Mayor of Blaenavon.