It was a joyous evening on Saturday as a number of residents turned out to the 28th Annual Lions Club of Tortola "Lighting of the Christmas Tree" at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza.

As the Governor´s wife, Mrs. Susan Pearey switched on the lights there were many cheers and excitement.

"We believe that when the Christmas tree programme is put on, that is the beginning of the Christmas season and every year persons come out to support us for many years to hear the music and everything else. We are happy to put it on for them because we know they look forward for it every year. The Lions erected the Christmas tree and the programme is put on by the Lions Club of Tortola with the BVI Christian Council," Allington Hodge, of the Lions Club told BVI Platinum News.

At the event there were reflections by Pastor Vankys Isaac, warm remarks by His Excellency Governor David Pearey, Fourth District Representative Hon. Vincent Scatliffe and President of the Lions Club of Tortola Lion Ronald Berkeley.

Residents were also entertained by several performances including those by the Road Town Wholesale Choir, Zion Sounds, Gospel Fungi, Church of God of Prophecy District Choir and others.