Hailsham’s Christmas Lights Switch-on a Success

Hailsham was full of festive cheer on Friday [25 November] as the annual Christmas light switch-on spectacular attracted hundreds to the town centre.

Residents and visitors were delighted to see a spectacular show in Vicarage Field with festive entertainment in addition to the big switch-on itself, which saw the town centre transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights.

Festive entertainment included carol singing from students of Hailsham Community College and Years 1 and 2 of their primary school, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on.

Santa was in attendance handing out free sweets to children (courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club) and if that was not enough, there was festive refreshments on sale, Hailsham FM played Christmas music throughout and local actor Jon Campling, who appeared in two Harry Potter films among other movies, switched on the lights alongside the Town Mayor.

After the switch-on, Hailsham Parish Church was open to warmly welcome visitors, serving free hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook, who pressed the button to officially switch on the lights said: “Hailsham’s Christmas Lights Switch-on is one of the town’s biggest events I hope the tree and town centre lighting helps create a lovely atmosphere in Hailsham, giving festive cheer to both residents and visitors to the town.”

“The Town Council always ensures that the Christmas activities it organises are fun and open to all, and the switch-on was no exception to this. It was an enjoyable event and a big success for all concerned.”

The success of the Switch-on event, according to Councillor Holbrook was “down to the hard work of working parties involved in its organisation from the outset, and the support received from Hailsham Town Council members and staff, Hailsham Rotary Club, Hailsham Parish Church, Hailsham FM, Hailsham Community College and of course, special guest at the event, actor Jon Campling.”

“Many thanks to all those involved in helping to create such a bustling and festive atmosphere again this year.”

Cllr Holbrook added: “We also hope you find the time to do some Christmas shopping in Hailsham and visit our Christmas Market on Saturday 10th December. We’re certainly getting into the Christmas spirit again and, having received encouraging feedback from shoppers and stallholders at the Christmas Market in recent years, we’re looking forward to doing it all again and making the event an even bigger success.”