Day 364: Lights On

Today the Christmas lights are switched on in St Albans.  The High Street has been closed off, and turned into a small funfair, with rides, and stalls selling mulled wine and German sausages.  Anticipation grows as the cast of 'Aladdin' (Alban Arena) jump up and down on a make-shift stage, stoking the atmosphere with an unbearably exciting countdown.  'Three!  Two!  One!'  And... nothing. 

Then sarcastic whooping and slow hand-claps - the traditional British response to any public humiliation.  Techies start scuffling frantically in civic fuse boxes.  About five seconds later the lights decide to play ball.  Good-natured, and genuine applause. 

This wouldn't have been half as much fun if the lights had worked straight away. 

I wonder if 'Aladdin' will have as much dramatic tension?