Hailsham is getting ready to welcome the festive season as the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns on Friday 27 November, bringing an afternoon and evening of entertainment, shopping and community celebration to the town centre.
Organised by Hailsham Town Council in partnership with local community organisations, this year’s event will take place from 1pm to 7pm, with activities centred around Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street. The celebrations will build towards the much-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm.
Visitors can expect a packed programme of festive activities, live entertainment and seasonal market stalls, with something to enjoy for all ages.
A wide selection of local and regional businesses and independent traders will be taking part, offering shoppers the chance to browse everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to artisan food and drink, locally crafted products and other seasonal treats.
With Christmas just around the corner, the event also provides an ideal opportunity to support independent businesses and get ahead with some festive shopping. The Town Council is encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally wherever possible and help keep the town centre busy and vibrant throughout the Christmas period.
Music and entertainment will feature prominently throughout the afternoon, with live performances from The Sussex Stompers and Con Brio adding to the festive atmosphere.
Students from Hailsham Academy and Hailsham Academy Primary will also perform a selection of Christmas carols ahead of the main lighting ceremony, helping to create a traditional festive build-up to the 6pm switch-on.
Younger visitors will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, who will be making a special appearance courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club and will be available to meet children during the afternoon.
Hailsham FM will be broadcasting live from the town centre, providing music, atmosphere and coverage of the day’s celebrations.
Following the lights switch-on, Hailsham Parish Church will once again welcome visitors for complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows, providing a warm and welcoming way to round off the evening.
To allow the event to take place safely and give pedestrians greater freedom to move between the different areas of the celebration, Hailsham High Street will be closed to traffic from approximately 11am until 9pm.
Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On has become a real highlight of Hailsham’s annual events calendar and is a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to come together and celebrate the beginning of the festive season.”
“Last year’s event was a tremendous success, and we were delighted by the number of people who came along to enjoy the entertainment and activities. This year, we are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors once again and creating another memorable celebration for the town.”
“The event is about much more than switching on the Christmas lights. It brings people into the town centre, creates opportunities for local traders and businesses and encourages residents to support the independent shops, cafés and other businesses that make Hailsham such a vibrant place.”
“We are very pleased to be working alongside our community partners to deliver an event that brings people together while also providing a positive boost for the local economy.”
Karen Giddings, Corporate Services Manager at the Town Council, added: “There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes to bring an event of this scale together, and preparations for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On are already well underway.”
“Our staff are working closely with performers, partner organisations, volunteers and other event participants to ensure everything is in place for what promises to be a fantastic day. We’ve aimed to create a programme that offers plenty for families and visitors of all ages, while retaining the strong community spirit that makes this event so special.
“We are extremely grateful to the local organisations, businesses, performers and volunteers who contribute their time, energy and support. Their involvement is essential to making the Christmas Lights Switch-On such an important part of Hailsham’s festive calendar.”
Local businesses and market traders who would like to be part of this year’s Christmas celebrations are invited to apply for a stall.
With the event expected to attract significant numbers of residents and visitors to the town centre, it offers participating businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, meet new customers and be part of one of Hailsham’s most popular community events.
Operations and Facilities Manager, Tony Lee added: “Interest from traders has already been very encouraging, and pitches are being booked quickly. We would urge any local businesses, makers or traders who are interested in taking part to get their applications in as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
“The event provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase products to a large and diverse audience and be part of one of Hailsham’s most popular annual community events.”
For further information or to book a pitch, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or email markets@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk