In the run up to Christmas the Town Council hosts the Signing of the Lease Celebrations in the Pannier Market, where the Mayor and Councillors visit the market to commemorate Bideford Town Council taking control of the running of the Market in 1991. Whilst shoppers enjoy the Christmas decorations, lights and festive atmosphere, the Mayor will make a short speech and the Councillors will hand out “market mead” and mince pies to shoppers. The Switching-on of the Christmas lights is also a very special event in Bideford, and for the last two years the town has been visited by Rudolf and his team of reindeers who pull a reallife Santa through the streets of Bideford. This really is a day to remember and the event attracts many thousands of people. The main streets which are closed to traffic are filled with surprises to delight and entertain the crowds – clowns, storytellers, wizardry, stilt walkers, and old fashioned fairgrounds turn the town into a magical wonderland. The smell of baked potatoes, burgers, candy floss, hot doughnuts and toffee apples fills the air and mingles with the sound of carols sung by children from the local junior schools, as well as a road show. When darkness falls the crowd gathers to enjoy the illumination of the Christmas lights which adorn the town.