NEW Year revellers forgot the economic downturn for a few hours to welcome in 2009 in style.
New Year’s Eve provided a welcome chance for people to dress up and put the credit crunch to one side.
In Trowbridge one pub was transformed into the Wild West, with regulars turning up in country and western attire.
Keith Morris, landlord at the Kings Arms landlord in Hilperton Marsh, spent days preparing his pub for the occasion.
Mr Morris built a saloon bar complete with swinging doors, a jail similar to the sheriff’s office and had the whole place decked out in stars and stripes.
He said: ”We had around 50 guests all dressed in costume around the country and western theme and they all had a great time.
“They partied well into the night. We all are concerned about the recession but New Year’s Eve was the night to forget it for the evening and have a good time”
In other west and north Wiltshire towns there was plenty of glitz and glamour on show, as people donned party outfits and let their hair down for the evening.
At the Greyhound in Bromham near Melksham, revellers turned up in costumes ranging from Superman and Batman to a nun and Cruella de Vil, while at the George pub in Lacock the clock was turned back to the heady days of the 1960s and 70s.
Adam Glass, publican at the George, said the nostalgic theme was a great success.
He said “ We had all the staff in fancy dress and many of our guests also dressed in the theme.
“It was everything from flower power to hot pants and we even had Elvis turn up.
“We laid on a disco playing all the hits from that era and the place was packed. It was a great atmosphere.”
This is Wiltshire - 2nd January 2009