Hailsham’s Christmas Lights Switch-on a Success

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

Festive entertainment included carol singing from students of Hailsham Community College and Grovelands Community Primary School, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on.

The lucky winners of the Best Christmas Pizza Design competition pressed the button alongside Mayor of Hailsham Councillor Nigel Coltman, to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

There was also be a candy floss stall (provided by Hailsham Lions) and Santa & his Sleigh (courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club) was in attendance handing out free sweets to children.

Deputy Town Mayor and chairman of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Amanda O’Rawe 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.”

Councillor Chriss Triandafyllou, vice-chairman of the Communities Committee commented: “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 Friday’s event, according to Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman 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, Domino’s Pizza and of course, local schools.”

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

Hailsham’s town centre seasonal lights display, funded and managed by the Town Council, received sponsorship towards overall costs this year and the Town Council would like to take the opportunity to thanks all sponsors for their financial support.

Sponsors for the 2017 Christmas lights scheme included St Mary’s Walk owners Lyrit Ltd and Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of local businesses,” said Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira. “Therefore, we’d like to publicly thank and congratulate those public-spirited businesses based in Hailsham which have seized the opportunity to help us ensure our town centre remains a prosperous and exciting place to visit during the festive period.”