The countdown to Christmas will officially begin in Hailsham on Friday 27 November, when the town centre comes alive for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Organised by Hailsham Town Council, working alongside local community organisations, this year’s celebrations will run from 1pm until 7pm, with activities taking place around Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street. The highlight of the day will be the Christmas lights being switched on at 6pm.
Residents and visitors can look forward to an afternoon and evening filled with festive entertainment, live music, market stalls, Christmas shopping and activities for the whole family.
The event will bring together a variety of local and regional businesses, independent traders and makers, giving visitors the chance to discover a wide range of seasonal gifts and products. Stalls will feature handmade items, Christmas decorations, artisan food and drink, locally produced goods and plenty of festive gift ideas.
With Christmas approaching, the event is also a great opportunity to shop locally while enjoying the celebrations. Hailsham Town Council is encouraging residents and visitors to support the town’s independent shops, cafés, businesses and traders throughout the festive period.
Confirmed stallholders trading on the day include Kie’s Tasty Temptations (homemade cakes), Misty Acres (flowers), One of a Kind (clothing), Ace Knits & Bits (knitting supplies), The Rum Infusionist (unique rum products), Sweet Kettle Bakes (cakes and sweets treats), Tropic Ambassador (skincare products), Sprout & Stone Crystals (gifts), Unique Crochet (bags and accessories), Debbie’s Crafty Creations (craft items), Maison de Valerie (home decor products), Personal & Sassy (home decor products), Caromacare (skincare products), Crafty Cards (craft products), Polly’s Patchworks (craft products), Gill Heasman (painted goods), Vernon Print (children’s Christmas games) and Hailsham Lions (candy floss).
Entertainment will run throughout the afternoon, with live performances from The Sussex Stompers and Con Brio helping to create a lively Christmas atmosphere. Pupils from Hailsham Academy and Hailsham Academy Primary will also take to the stage to perform Christmas carols before the main lights ceremony.
There will be plenty for younger visitors to enjoy too, including the chance to meet Father Christmas, who will be visiting the event courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club.
Hailsham FM will be broadcasting live from the town centre during the celebrations, providing music, updates and coverage throughout the day.
Once the lights have been switched on, visitors can head to Hailsham Parish Church, where complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows will be available, offering a cosy way to finish the evening.
For the safety of visitors and to create more space for people to enjoy the event, 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 arrival of the Christmas lights marks the start of a very special time of year in Hailsham, and our switch-on event is a fantastic way for residents and visitors to celebrate together.”
“We have put together a programme with families, shoppers and visitors in mind, with live entertainment, Christmas stalls, performances from local schools and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas.”
“Events such as this are also an important opportunity to showcase Hailsham and the people and businesses that make our town centre such a welcoming place. We hope people will come along, enjoy the festivities and take the opportunity to support local businesses while they are here.”
“I would like to thank all of the organisations, performers, volunteers, traders and Council staff involved in making the event possible. Their contribution helps make this a special occasion for the whole community.”
Karen Giddings, Corporate Services Manager at the Town Council, added: “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a substantial event to organise, with many different people and organisations working together to make sure the day runs smoothly.”
“Preparations are progressing well and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the town centre on 27 November. From the entertainment and school performances to the market and family activities, there will be plenty happening throughout the afternoon.”
“The atmosphere created by everyone coming together is what makes this event so enjoyable, and we are grateful to everyone who contributes their time and expertise behind the scenes and on the day.”
“We hope residents will put the date in their diaries and join us as Hailsham gets into the Christmas spirit.”
Businesses, makers and market traders interested in being part of the Christmas Lights Switch-On are invited to contact the Town Council to apply for a stall.
The event provides an opportunity for traders to put their products in front of a large audience, connect with potential customers and take part in one of Hailsham’s key annual community celebrations.
Operations and Facilities Manager, Tony Lee, commented: “We have already received a strong level of interest from traders, with pitches continuing to be allocated.”
“For businesses and makers considering taking part, the event offers a great way to introduce their products to local residents and visitors during one of the busiest and most festive times of the year.”
“Anyone wishing to have a stall is encouraged to get in touch with us soon, as availability is limited.”
For further information or to apply for 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