Hailsham’s Christmas Lights Switch-on Event a Success

Hailsham was full of festive cheer at the weekend as the annual Christmas light switch-on spectacular attracted hundreds to the town centre.

The countdown to Christmas began in Vicarage Field on Saturday [21 November] with a repertoire of seasonal favourites performed by students from Hailsham Community College Academy and Grovelands Community Primary School.

Hailsham entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Peter Lambert pressed the button to turn on the town’s Christmas lights alongside the winners of this year’s Best Christmas Pizza Design competition (organised by the Town Council and Dominos’ Pizza), Demi aged 6 and Hannah aged 9 — both from Hellingly Primary School.

Santa & his Sleigh, provided by Hailsham Rotary Club, attended to hand out free sweets to children and Christmas music was provided by Hailsham Festival FM via PA system.

Hailsham Parish Church hosted their Historic Open Church at which free coffee, tea and hot chocolate was served.

“It’s wonderful to see the community to come together to support the event and celebrate the start of the festive season,” said Deputy Town Mayor and chairman of the Town Council’s Communities Committee Councillor Amanda O’Rawe, who was delighted to see so many residents and visitors go along to the event.

“The switch-on provided the perfect launch to Christmas in Hailsham and once again our events team has done us proud. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy festive entertainment during the switch-on event which was incredible! We really got it right for the children and for families again this year.”

Councillor Chriss Triandafyllou, vice-chairman of the Communities Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone who came and watched the Christmas lights switch-on and made it such a cheerful and festive occasion. Thanks must also be extended to the local business who donated presents for children and provided festive refreshments at the event.”

“We hope people will come to the town centre again to do a spot of Christmas shopping at this year’s Christmas Market in early December complete with live entertainment, guaranteed to delight all the family.”

Hailsham Town Council would like to thank Hailsham Rotary Club, Hailsham Community College Academy, Grovelands Community Primary School, Domino’s Pizza and Hailsham Festival FM for their support.

For further information on Christmas events organised by Hailsham Town Council, including the Christmas Market on Saturday 5th December, please contact Karen Giddings on 01323 841702 or by email (karen.giddings@hailsham-tc.gov.uk)