Hailsham is preparing to welcome the festive season as the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns on Friday 27 November, bringing an afternoon of entertainment, shopping and seasonal activities to the town centre.
Organised by Hailsham Town Council in partnership with local community organisations, this year’s event will run from 1pm to 7pm, with activities centred around Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm, marking the official start of the town’s Christmas celebrations.
Residents and visitors can expect a varied programme of entertainment, live music, Christmas market stalls and family activities, alongside opportunities to support local businesses and independent traders.
A selection of local and regional businesses, makers and independent traders will be attending the event, offering visitors the opportunity to browse a wide range of products and find inspiration for their Christmas shopping.
The market will feature handmade gifts and crafts, festive decorations, flowers, clothing, skincare, homeware and other locally produced items. Food and drink on offer will include pizza, a hog roast, coffee, crepes, jacket potatoes, chips, burgers, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Confirmed stallholders include:
The Town Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the event by supporting local businesses, independent retailers, cafés and market traders throughout the Christmas period.
Festive entertainment will take place throughout the afternoon, with live performances from The Sussex Stompers and Con Brio helping to create the atmosphere in the town centre. Pupils from Hailsham Academy and Hailsham Academy Primary will also perform Christmas carols ahead of the 6pm lighting ceremony.
Younger visitors will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, who will be making a special appearance courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club.
Hailsham FM will also be broadcasting live from the town centre, providing music, updates and coverage of the day’s celebrations.
Following the lights switch-on, visitors will be able to visit Hailsham Parish Church, where complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows will be available.
To support the safe running of the event and allow visitors to move freely between the different areas, 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 an established part of Hailsham’s annual calendar and provides an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the start of the festive season.”
“This year’s event offers a broad programme for people of all ages, with live entertainment, local school performances, market stalls and activities for families throughout the afternoon, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights at 6pm.”
“It is also an important occasion for our local businesses and independent traders, giving them an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer to residents and visitors at the beginning of the Christmas shopping period.”
“I would encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and support the many local organisations, businesses, performers and volunteers who contribute to making this such a popular community event.”
Karen Giddings, Corporate Services Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “Considerable planning and coordination goes into an event of this scale, and preparations have been progressing throughout the year to ensure that everything is in place for 27 November.”
“We are delighted with the programme that has been put together and with the continued support of the community organisations, performers, schools, traders and volunteers involved.”
“The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a great opportunity to bring people into the town centre and create a positive start to the festive period. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors and seeing Hailsham come alive with Christmas celebrations.”
The event provides traders with an opportunity to promote their products to residents and visitors, reach new customers and be part of one of the town’s major annual community events.
Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee said: “Interest from traders has been very encouraging, and we are now fully booked for the event. The Christmas Lights Switch-On attracts a wide range of visitors to the town centre, making it a valuable opportunity for local businesses and independent makers to showcase their products.”
For further information, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or email karen.giddings@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